Raising of Lazarus
Mary, Martha and Lazarus were siblings living in Bethany. They were friends of Jesus. Jesus knew that Lazarus was sick and even knew that he would die. But Jesus also knew that the sickness and death of Lazarus would be to the glorification of Jesus and His power. Jesus delayed in going to Lazarus’ aid for two days.
When the time was right Jesus and His disciples went to Bethany. They were met along the way by Martha. She was accusatory of the Lord. She knew that Jesus had the power to heal and save her brother, but the Lord delayed in His arrival.
Jesus told her that she should not worry because He had the power to raise Lazarus from the grave. To her credit Martha believed in the resurrection of the dead because Jesus spoke of it often. She had full confidence that she would see her brother again in the future. What she did not realize is that Jesus had the power to resurrect her brother before the coming resurrection.
Mary then came to meet the Lord. She too accused the Lord of tarrying which resulted in the death of her brother.
Jesus wept when He saw the grief of Mary and the Jews. Others began to question His sovereignty and power. They knew He was capable of so much, but they did not believe He had the power of granting life.
Though this comes in a very serious and emotional passage, one of my favorite humorous phrases found in the Bible is here. Jesus says to open the grave of the four-day-dead Lazarus. Mary looked at Jesus and said, “Lord, by this time he stinketh.” As if to say, “I don’t think we really want to do that. Have you ever smelled a dead man before? And after four days?”
They did open the grave and Jesus prayed to God the Father. He proclaimed His trust and belief in the power of God. He wanted to show the people where His power originated. Jesus then called Lazarus to come from the grave.
Lazarus emerged still wrapped in the grave clothes he was buried in. Many believed on Jesus but not all. The Pharisees and the chief priest began plotting to kill the Son of God.
