Jesus’ Friend, Lazarus
We come to the story of Jesus’ friend, Lazarus. “If You would have been here, he wouldn’t have died” comes from both sisters. But Jesus has other plans.
The resurrection of Lazarus is the final straw for the Pharisees. “If He keeps performing signs like these, EVERYONE will believe in Him and we will lose EVERYTHING!” They are determined to see Jesus dead from this point on.
But what point is that? The point where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after FOUR days.
Lazarus isn’t the first person Jesus has raised from the dead, but he is the one who was dead the longest. And he was the one who Jesus purposefully allowed to die before setting out to help him.
Let’s look at the events of the time from both sides of the river Jordan. Jesus is on one side while Lazarus and his sisters are on the other. The Jews who want to see Jesus stoned to death are on the side with Lazarus as well.
Holy Spirit, lead this journey again today. Show me the story how You want me to see and know it. Show me what to take from it for my own walk as well. Open my heart, mind, and spirit to the events of this time.
♥ ♦ ♥
Jesus has been on the other side of the Jordan River for some time. People continue to come to Him and many become believers. The Pharisees aren’t happy about the whole deal, but they don’t have much pull where He is. All they can do in monitor the situation.
Jesus’ disciples are THRILLED by the increase in believers. They are secretly waiting for Him to amass enough followers to take the throne by force. As their numbers grow, so does their expectations for what is to come.
Many of the people who have flocked to Jesus feel as His disciples do. They are waiting excitedly for Jesus to give the order to attack. Attack what or who, they don’t know or care. So long as it brings release from the Romans.
Days pass in Bethany as usual. Lazarus is tending his vineyard. Mary and Marth keep the home. They all welcome news from where Jesus is but they keep their distance. Not out of indifference or fear, but out of respect and responsibility. Jesus knows that He is welcome here any time He chooses. He is safest where He is, and that’s all that matters to Lazarus.
It is nearing the end of the first rainy season. The crops are all in the ground. Lazarus is dressing his vines, making sure they are ready when the spring comes. Today, he is working in the upper field where the vines are the thickest. They are also the tallest. Lazarus needs a ladder to reach the tops of these vines. But they are worth it, for they produce the finest wine.
Lazarus resets his ladder for who knows how many times already. He doesn’t notice the soft ground just to the side of it. He climbs up and gets to work dressing the vines. It’s been a long day already and he is anxious to be done, so instead of climbing down and resetting his ladder a few feet over, he leans out to work on the nearby vines. This wouldn’t normally be a problem, but with the ground soft from the rains, the ladder tips and comes crashing to the ground. Lazarus ends up sprawled across it. His chest impacted the legs of the ladder and his head broke one of the rungs when he fell. He lies unconscious on the ground.
The rains begin to beat down harder. Mary and Martha hear it pounding on the roof.
“Lazarus will be soaked to the skin” Martha says as she watches the rain.
“Hopefully, he is almost done. It will be dark soon” adds Mary.
The two sisters go on preparing the dinner and lighting the lamps as the day passes. When it is fully dark and Lazarus still hasn’t show up, they begin to worry.
“Where could he be” asks Mary as she stands at the window looking out.
“Should we go out and look for him” asks Martha.
“I don’t know where to begin. He didn’t say where he would be working today. But we should do something.”
“I could send one of the servants to the field hands’ quarters. Ask if they have seen him or know where he is.”
“Let’s do that” Mary quickly agrees.
An hour later, two field hands arrive, supporting Lazarus between the. Martha throws open the door when she sees them approach, and both sisters run out to meet them.
“Brother, what happened to you” Martha cries when she sees the state he is in.
There is dried blood on the side of his head, he is covered in mud, he is holding his arm across his midsection and his face is ash gray. It takes all the sisters restraint not to rush in and hug him.
“Bring him in the house. I will tend to him, if one of you will get him undressed and dressed again” Martha directs.
Martha knows that Lazarus would NEVER allow either of his sisters to do this task.
While the men are bringing Lazarus into the house, Mary is preparing heating some water as Martha prepares his bed and clean clothes. Both women leave when the field hands are ready to undress Lazarus.
While they wait, Martha asks one of the servants what happened.
“They say that they found him in the upper field. It looks like he fell from a ladder and was knocked unconscious. He was just coming around when they found him.”
Fifteen LONG minutes later, the women are let back into the room. Mary is carrying a basin of water and Martha has rags for dressing and washing. Carefully they clean and dress Lazarus’ wounds. Mary gasps when she sees the markings on his chest.
“We will send for the doctor. I have a feeling that you broke some ribs” Martha says.
“We already sent for one when we found him. He should be arriving any time” says one of the men who brought Lazarus home.
As if on cue, there is a knock at the door. Martha goes to answer it and finds the doctor standing on the other side.
“I’m so glad you are here! Please come with me. My brother is in here” she says while pointing out the room.
“I will examine him in private” he says to the entire room.
Everyone hurries out and the waiting begins again. Half an hour later, the doctor emerges.
“Lazarus has at least three broken ribs and possibly some cracked ones as well. His head wound looks like it will heal on its own, but I don’t know for certain. There is a lot we don’t know about the head. But, most concerning to me is the chill he has taken on. Who knows how long he was out in the rain. He will need a LOT of rest if he is to survive.”
Mary’s eyes go wide. “Is he going to die” she cries.
“I don’t know for certain. A lot will depend on him and his will to live. And on how well you can keep him still while his body mends.”
“I’ll keep him still” Martha says. “You can count on that.”
“Good. I will come back in a day or two and see how he is doing.”
Mary and Martha quietly creep into Lazarus’ room and come to kneel beside his bed.
Lazarus opens his eyes and smiles at his sisters.
“This is one way to get you to wait on me” he says. As he starts to chuckle, he grasps his chest in pain.
“Hush” Martha says with a look of love in her eyes. “We will be here with you day and night.” She turns to Mary. “I’ll take the first watch. You can relieve me in the morning.”
Before Lazarus can protest, Mary agrees to the arrangement.
Lazarus is no better in the morning.
“Should I send for Jesus” asks Martha.
“NO. It isn’t safe for Him to come here. The Pharisees are watching for Him” admonishes Lazarus.
“But you need…”
“NO.”
“Alright” Martha finally gives in.
In Jesus’ camp, He knows that Lazarus is ill, but He tells no one. “They will know, in due time.” He doesn’t pray or ask God to heal him either. Jesus already knows the process of events. He has to let them unfold as God planned.
Three days go by and Lazarus develops a fever. Mary is really worried now. She calls one of the servants to Lazarus’ door.
“Go and find Jesus of Nazareth. He is supposed to be on the other side of the Jordan. Tell Him from me this; “Lord, he whom you love is ill” (John 11:3).
“The master gave instructions not to send for Jesus.”
“I don’t care. We NEED Him!”
The servant sets off immediately and reaches Jesus the next day. It isn’t until late afternoon that he has a chance to speak with Jesus. Every time he approaches, someone steps in between them. Finally, he pushes through the people and falls at Jesus’ feet.
“Jesus, come quickly! Mary has sent me with a message; ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’”
Jesus says to him; “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4).
Feeling relieved, the servant rises from his place. As it is late, he returns home to Bethany the next day. When he arrives back home, Lazarus has already died. He is heart broken and doesn’t understand. Jesus said that Lazarus would not die. “How am I supposed to tell Mary”, he asks himself.
Mourning is in full force. Mary is unconsolable. She sits in her chair in the middle of the room and silently weeps. They buried Lazarus at sunset the night before. She hasn’t moved since returning home.
Martha tries to care for the guests who have come to sit with them, but even she has little energy for the tasks. Her hands tremble as she works in the kitchen. “Why didn’t Jesus come” she keeps asking herself.
Jesus’ disciples had heard the messenger when he arrived. They also heard Jesus’ response to him. They had confidence in their Teacher to do what was right. Not once did they question Jesus’ decision to remain. Besides, it isn’t safe for Jesus in Judea. The Pharisees tried to stone Him the last time they were there.
Two days later, Jesus surprises them. “Let us go to Judea again” (John 11:7).
Peter’s heart jumps up in his throat. He knows that they are not ready to take on the religious leaders yet. It’s NOT safe to return now. He tries reasoning with Jesus.
“Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” (John 11:8).
Jesus faces Peter. “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him” (John 11:9-10).
No one says anything. They stare at Him, not understanding. Jesus continues after a minute. “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him” (John 11:11).
Andrew breathes a sigh of relief, thinking that all would be well. “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover” (John 11:12).
Jesus shakes His head. He realizes that He is going to have to be more direct with them. “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him” (John 11:14-15).
Thomas shakes his head and shrugs his shoulders. “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16).
Jesus doesn’t even dignify his response with an answer. Camp is packed up and, within an hour, they are all on their way to Bethany. There is little conversation on the journey as each of them is wrestling with what to expect when they arrive. The memory of the Jews picking up rocks to stone them isn’t far from any of the disciples’ minds.
The group arrives in a little way outside of Bethany. The disciples have no idea that it has been four days since Lazarus died. All they know is that they will follow Jesus anywhere He goes. And they start scanning the area around them for any hostility.
Jesus’ arrival didn’t go unnoticed. A servant of one of Martha’s friends sees Him enter the region. She hurries to her mistress, Diana. Diana is in the kitchen helping Martha when the servant arrives.
“I just saw Jesus” she blurts out as soon as she is in her mistress’ presence.
Martha looks up. Her eyes are red from crying, but they are piercing as she questions the servant.
“Where did you see Him? Where was He going?”
“He was coming over the ridge and it looks like He is coming towards your home.”
Martha grabs Diana by the shoulders. “Take care of the guests. I have to go and meet Jesus.”
Before Diana can respond, Martha is out the door and running across the field. She doesn’t slow down until she is standing before Jesus Himself. Nearly out of breath, Martha’s heart pours forth.
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you” (John 11:21-22).
Jesus’ eyes are full of compassion and promise. “Your brother will rise again” (John 11:23) Jesus assures her.
Martha nods. “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day” (John 11:24).
Jesus looks deep into her eyes. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).
With all the certainty in her soul, Martha answers Him. “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world” (John 11:27).
“I want to see Mary” Jesus tells Martha.
“Oh, Lord! You cannot come to the house. The Jews who were trying to stone You are there with Mary. They are keeping watch with her as she mourns.”
“Go and bring her to Me.”
Martha hurries back to the house. She doesn’t run this time, as she doesn’t want to draw attention to herself. When she gets home, she walks over to where Mary is sitting and whispers in her ear.
“The Teacher is here and is calling for you” (John 11:28).
Mary’s eyes go wide and she nearly launches herself from her chair. She hurries from the room and straight out of the house.
Everyone in the room looks at one another. “She must be going to the tomb to mourn again” they say to one another. They get up to follow her and offer their support.
Mary reaches Jesus long before those following her. She falls at His feet and pours her heart out.
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32).
Jesus reaches out a hand and places it on Mary’s back. His heart aches for her. “Where have you laid him?” (John 11:34a).
“Lord, come and see” (John 11:34b) Mary says while rising from the ground.
Jesus follows Mary. Behind Him are His disciples. Behind Mary are all the Jews from the area who have come to honor Lazarus. Jesus weeps as they make their way to the tomb.
Some of the Jews look over at Jesus and see Him openly weeping. “See how he loved him!” (John 11:36).
Some of the others shake their heads instead. “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” (John 11:37).
Jesus says nothing until they reach the tomb. Everyone is expecting Him to mourn at the base of the tomb. Instead, He calls out; “Take away the stone” (John 11:39a).
Martha looks at Jesus like He has grown a second head. “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days” (John 11:39b)
Jesus looks at her and raises an eyebrow. “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).
Martha raises her hands and nods. “Do as He commands.”
Several men move to the stone and begin pushing against it from one side. It finally moves and they are able to roll it away from the entrance.
Once the mouth of the cave is open, Jesus looks up towards Heaven and prays. “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me” (John 11:41-42).
As soon as He finishes praying, Jesus looks deep into the mouth of the tomb. He calls out in a loud voice; “Lazarus, come out” (John 11:43).
While all this is taking place in the physical world, Lazarus has been in the spiritual world. He doesn’t know why, but Abraham hasn’t taken him deep into the place where all those who honored the Lord are waiting for their release. The two men stand side by side. Together they hear Jesus’ voice calling to Lazarus.
“You better go. I will see you again” Abraham tells Lazarus.
With the inhale of a breath, Lazarus’ spirit returns to his body. He sits up and begins making his way off the shelf he was laid on. Once he is standing on his own two feet, he carefully moves toward the only light he sees. He is still bound with the linen strips of his burial attire and his face is covered with a cloth.
Once Lazarus makes it to the mouth of the tomb, Jesus calls to the people present; “Unbind him, and let him go” (John 11:44).
The men jump into action, releasing the knots which the strips taught. They make sure to retain his dignity. One man takes off his cloak and wraps it around Lazarus.
The group begins to break up in clumps now that Lazarus is alive and released. Those who follow Jesus, Lazarus, and the two sisters as they make their way back to the home of Lazarus. Those who follow Jesus to the home of Lazarus have come to believe in Jesus. Then there are those who return to their own homes. And, finally, those who carry news to the Pharisees.
The small contingent from Bethany arrive three hours later in Jerusalem. They go directly to the Temple in search of one of the priests.
“My lord, we have something very disturbing to report to you. It is about Jesus of Nazareth. He just raised Lazarus of Bethany from the dead, after FOUR days!”
“Come quickly. The counsel will want to hear this. You must tell them everything you witnessed.”
Within an hour, the men are telling the full story to the ruling counsel. Caiaphas, the high priest of this year is among those present.
One of the priests voices the fear on all their mind.
“What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (John 11:47-48).
Caiaphas speaks up. “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:49-50).
Caiaphas has no idea that his words are actually the words the Holy Spirit placed within his mouth. It must be this way for God’s plan to continue. And God makes CERTAIN that His plan WILL succeed.
Jesus knows God’s plan as well. He knows the timing of it too. In order to preserve God’s timing, He no longer walks about Judea but remains in the area of Ephraim. Here He will continue to teach and minister to the people until the time is right for God’s plan to be accomplished.
(to be continued)
It is HARD for me to understand how ANYONE present that day would doubt. Did they think it was some kind of elaborate trick? I know people of today would. I can hear them now.
“It was a trick. He wasn’t dead. They put him inside the tomb just so Jesus could call him out.”
Nice try, but not even close. This was a ‘warm up’ to the ‘main event’. Jesus would be in the grave for only three days, and no one would stand outside and call Him out. No human would roll the stone away either.
I wonder how long Jesus stayed in Bethany after raising Lazarus. Did you also know that the Pharisees wanted to kill Lazarus, so he wouldn’t be a living witness for Jesus. His life was a glaring testimony to Jesus’ power.
MANY of our lives are a testimony as well. Not quite so glaring as Lazarus’ was, but just as amazing. The fact that I’m alive today is only by God’s hand. Among the many times He saved my life are: 1) being hit by a car around the age of 8, 2) His hand keeping me from acting on suicidal ideas during at least three seasons in my life, 3) protecting me from damaging my own body during bouts of bulimia, 4) and MANY near misses during times of driving (only one or two being because of my own stupidity). These are just the ‘highlights’ of His hand in my life. The fact that He took me as His child tops them ALL! He saved me from eternity separated from Him. NOTHING could be more precious than that.
Father God, thank You for Your hand in my life. ALL THROUGH my life. Looking back, it blows me away! I want to ask ‘WHY’ but I know what You would say; or at least I believe I do.
“Because I love you.”
And that to me is beyond amazing! Let me be a walking, breathing, testimony to Your love and faithfulness to ALL who come to You.
