From Death to Life: The Story of Lazarus

There’s nothing like the way an exciting and emotional story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I think that’s why I love the story of Lazarus. Seeing him pass from death to life is both emotional and thrilling. There’s so much richness in this story and so many lessons to learn. 

From Death

Jesus was away with His disciples when Mary and Martha sent Him the message that their brother, His dear friend Lazarus, was ill.  I wonder if the sisters questioned why Jesus didn’t come rushing to them.

Instead of returning, Jesus stayed where he was and Lazarus became more ill until he finally died.

Maybe it seemed like Jesus was late.

In my own life, I have wondered where God was or what He was doing when I wanted something done now. His timing is not mine. 

But His timing is perfect. My prayer is that I would be open to always knowing that and agreeing with Him about it.

To Life

When Jesus finally does make it to Mary and Martha’s house, Lazarus was dead and buried. Mary, who often gets a bad rap in Luke 10:38-42, rushed outside to greet Jesus and expressed her great faith in His ability to have done something, and to still be able to do something about her loss.

Jesus responds with, “Your brother will rise again.”

What follows is a beautiful demonstration of Mary’s faith and an encouraging affirmation of Jesus’ power.

Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “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?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” – John 11:24-27

When we are hurting, it serves us well to communicate with our Savior, express our faith, and listen for affirmations of God’s mighty power!

From Hopeless

There seemed to be no hope. Mary and Martha both responded with faith, but also showed tremendous grief. 

There is no greater grief than being parted by death from the ones you love. 

Even Jesus felt it. He was “deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled” (verse 33) and wept when He saw where Lazarus was buried.

Though Jesus was not hopeless, He was wounded in spirit by the pain of loss.

To family and onlookers, though, the whole situation was over. The story was finished. After all, Lazarus was dead.

I’ve been there. Have you? Sometimes, my story or situation seems to “end” and nothing else can be done.

Life is hard. Sometimes, we have to say goodbye, a family crisis occurs, there isn’t enough funds for bills, we get a really bad diagnosis, or worse.

Sometimes God does “end” our story there (meaning that He sometimes allows things in our lives that hurt, though what we see isn’t really the end). Other times, He allows things to be more to our liking, but only if it’s in His best plans.

Either way, He can use it (whatever it is) for our eternal good and for His glory. Sorrow and pain can grow us in ways that good times can’t. And we must remember that with Jesus, all things are possible! Where we see only hurt, He can create beauty. 

He is able! Yes, when Jesus commanded dead Lazarus to come out of the grave, He showed us His might and authority.

To Hope

Friends, Jesus is in the business of resurrection. He breathes new life into us, and though our sin technically earns us death (Romans 6:23), His children will live eternally (John 3:16). He also can breathe life into hopeless situations and make a way where there seems to be none.

Our God, who commanded Lazarus to leave the grave behind him, tells dry bones to come alive, parts the waters, gives sight to the blind, and directs the lame to take up their beds and walk.

He can breathe life into you and me and into our most dire circumstances.

Say it with me, slowly:  He has might and authority.

The story of Lazarus is a sweet reminder of who Jesus is and the hope that He brings!

He is the resurrection and the life. What a beautiful Savior!

Blessings,
Ali