Lazarus: A Model of Jesus’ Resurrection
1A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha.2This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick.3So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.”
4But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”5So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus,6he stayed where he was for the next two days.7Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”
8But his disciples objected. “kRabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?”
9Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world.10But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.”11Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.”
12The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!”13They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.
14So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.15And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”
16Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus.”
Jesus was willing to let Lazarus, a close friend, die for the glory of God. But notice that Jesus does not call it death till he needs to clarify the situation with his disciples. He calls it sleep. This gives us great insight into the perspective of God. It is easy to say be truly hard to understand: God views things from an eternal perspective. Jesus, Lazarus, and us (whether we believe it or not) are on a temporary mission in a war torn land while we are here on Earth. We are sent by God to fulfill a calling and then go back home to him if we so choose. Sacrifice, even death, are not only acceptable, but expected, of a soldier in a battle yet we know from this story that this is not our eternal destiny.
Jesus instructs us to walk safely in the light. In the first chapter of John’s gospel, Jesus is referred to as the Light. So walk through this life here on Earth with Jesus, and you will be walking in the Light. Walking in the Light will bring you safely to a death that is just a nap, and an eternal life with Jesus
Lord, help me to remember that I am your soldier in a war zone, and must be willing to complete your mission for me regardless of the cost. Also remind me that you are my light, my salvation, my peace and my eternal Lord. Praise You!!! *obbs*
