From Death to Life: Lazarus: John 11:17:36
Jesus did these miracles for a specific purpose. In John 11:41-42 we read his prayer to his Father: "Father I thank you that you heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
What was he talking about in this passage?
In this miracle that he had just done, Jesus had raised a dead man named Lazarus from the dead. Jesus had known he was ill. He was the brother of two sisters, Mary and Martha. All three were friends of Jesus and his disciples and were loved by Jesus. When he became ill, Mary and Martha had sent Jesus a message to let him know hoping he would come and heal Lazarus because he was near death. Jesus however, was in no hurry to get there to his home. The disciples were concerned about him going there because they knew there were people there that wanted to kill Jesus. Finally, he left to go there and by the time Jesus was near to his home, Lazarus had been buried for four days and Mary and Martha were very much grief-stricken. They were confused about why Jesus had not come to heal their brother but because they believed in him, they trusted him. And Jesus said to her: "Your brother will rise again." And then he went to the tomb where Lazarus was buried and wept for him because he loved his friend, But then Jesus cried in a loud voice, "Lazarus come out." And he came out with his hands and feet bound in linen strips and a cloth around his face. Jesus said, "Unbind him and let him go."
Jesus had just raised someone that was dead, from the tomb. Why? It was for the benefit of the people that were there, that they would believe he was the Son of God. Another miracle to prove who he was and to increase their faith in him.
I can only imagine the looks on the faces of those in attendance that day. What must have gone through their minds? Truly this was God's Son that was sent to them. And for us today, an example of his bringing life to us when we accept him. Because we were once dead in sin, and without hope but when we ask him to save us, he brings us eternal life which we will experience when this life passes from us.
A miracle happened that day for Lazarus and even all those that saw it happen. But we can have that kind of miracle in our own lives when we trust the Son of God that was sent to free us from death and instead gives us life eternal.
Bringing Lazarus back from the dead pre-empted the death and resurrection of Jesus and he proved to the world and especially his enemies that no grave could hold his friend Lazarus, nor would it hold the Son of the Living God.
February 20, 2019 Promise: I keep my eyes on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
Hi Friends. I apologize for my late post today. But I thank God that you are patient with me and still come to let me share with you. God richly bless you today and every day.
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