Lessons from the resurrection of Lazurus

John 11 is quite an interesting passage from which we can learn a few lessons. As I studied these verses, a few things stood out to me. Here are three lessons from this passage that are intriguing:

1. Jesus did not have to raise Lazarus from the dead

For context, Lazarus was a disciple, evident from the way the sisters introduced him to Jesus. Notice the words used to introduce him: "the one whom Jesus loved" (John 11:1). Martha mentions that Lazarus will rise at the resurrection on the last day (v24). As you read the passage, we get a sense of Lazarus being spoken of as a follower of Jesus who would "rise at the last day". In verse 25, Jesus even referenced the resurrection of the dead for those who believed in him (v25), indicating that Lazarus was destined to rise from the dead. These are strong arguments for the fact that Lazarus was a disciple of Jesus.

So why is it relevant that Lazarus was a disciple? The truth is, if Lazarus was a believer, Jesus didn't have to raise him from the dead. Lazarus would rise from the dead anyway. Think about it carefully. Lazarus was supposedly in a better place. Jesus could have simply encouraged them that Lazarus would live for eternity in heaven and that he was in a much happier place. Yet, out of his deep love for the grieving family, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. That speaks volumes about the heart of the Father! He would rather raise Lazarus from the dead for the sake of the grieving family.

2. Their pain deeply moved Jesus' heart

John 11:33 outrightly tells us that a deep anger welled up in Jesus and he was deeply troubled. It paints a picture that the pain he saw on the faces of Martha, Mary, and the people angered his spirit and deeply troubled him. Let's pause for a moment. Let it sink in. Your pain and your problems deeply anger the heart of God and move him greatly. God is angry at the attacks of the enemy against us.

The amplified Bible uses this phrase to explain the emotions that Jesus felt: "deeply moved in spirit [to the point of anger at the sorrow caused by death]"

33 When Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews who had come with her also sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit [to the point of anger at the sorrow caused by death] and was troubled, - John 11:33 AMP

God is our good Father. The Bible tells us that just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on us. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love toward us. (Psalm 103:11-13, 17)

The heart of the Father is so full of love that our pain affects his heart.

The LORD appeared to me (Israel) from ages past, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you - Jeremiah 31:3 AMP

3. An infinite God who works miracles even in this finite world

When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he deliberately stayed back for 2 days. This is confusing. Why did Jesus stay back? Scripture does not give us a clear reason, but we do know that he was glad that he wasn't there.

And for your sake, I’m glad I wasn’t there, because now you have another opportunity to see who I am so that you will learn to trust in me. Come, let’s go and see him.” - John 11:15 TPT

Jesus indicated that if he had been there earlier, Lazarus would NOT have died.

As to why he didn't go earlier, we don't know. Perhaps he didn't feel like it was the right time. After all, He always did what he saw the Father do.

We could also argue that Jesus did not "deliberately" delay because his heart was so moved when he saw the sisters, that he himself wept. The scripture does not tell us why he waited 2 days before he saw the Father's heart move, but we do know that Jesus did only what he saw the Father do. Perhaps he never questioned the Father about the delay, but he trusted in the infinite wisdom of God. This was his obedience to God's timing, something beautiful that we can learn from His life.

It is quite possible that if Jesus had gone immediately, it could have caused other problems with the Jews too. We cannot say for sure. God accomplished the purposes of avoiding trouble with the Jews while also still resurrecting Lazarus from the dead.

Does this not say something about your problems? The circumstances may be very limiting, but God can do the impossible even amidst the finite limitations of your situation.

Action items

• Remind yourself, "God knows." He knows your heart, he knows the troubles you face, and he knows the mountains you cannot climb. He sits right beside you as you weep. Trust God today that he will come through. He may be 4 days late, but he will restore to you everything that the devil has stolen.

I will restore to you the years
    that the swarming locust has eaten, - Joel 2:25a ESV