In John chapter 11 of the Bible, the story of Lazarus unfolds. Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, falls gravely ill in the town of Bethany. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send word to Jesus, pleading for him to come and heal their brother. Upon receiving the message, Jesus deliberately delays his journey, stating that Lazarus' illness will not end in death, but will be for the glory of God.
By the time Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Martha goes out to meet Jesus and expresses her faith, saying that she believes in the resurrection on the last day. Jesus assures her, saying, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die."
Jesus is deeply moved by the sorrow of Mary, Martha, and the people mourning Lazarus' death. He asks to be taken to the tomb, where a stone covers the entrance. Jesus instructs them to remove the stone, and despite Martha's concern about the smell, they do as he says.
Jesus then prays to God, thanking Him for hearing Him and knowing that He always does. With a loud voice, Jesus calls out, "Lazarus, come out!" To everyone's astonishment, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in burial clothes. Jesus commands them to untie him and let him go.
This incredible miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead causes many who witnessed it to believe in Jesus. However, it also leads the religious leaders to plot Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, as his popularity and power become a threat to their authority.
The story of Lazarus in John 11 serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' power over death and his ability to bring forth life. It highlights his deep love for his friends and reveals his identity as the resurrection and the life.
24 pages.
Jesus Raises (A True Story About Jesus) is in the following collections:
