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JESUS THE LIFEGIVER
MONDAY, AUGUST 11
John 11:1-46

Revelation 20:6

 

“…I am the resurrection,

and the life.…”

 

JESUS THE LIFEGIVER
 
In Jerusalem, Jesus received news from Martha and Mary that Lazarus was very sick. They had expected Him to go to them immediately, but He delayed His visit on purpose. The Lord, being omniscient, knew that Lazarus would die, and that He would raise him up from the dead. Through this mighty miracle, God the Father and God the Son would be glorified. Jesus was also going to use Lazarus as an object lesson concerning His own death and resurrection.
 
When Jesus finally arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had already been dead and entombed for four days. Martha and Mary, with all their friends, were weeping over Lazarus’ death. It is interesting to note that after each statement of doubt by the people (John 11:32, 37), it is recorded that Jesus “groaned” in the spirit (John 11:33, 38). Would not Jesus be hurt by such a question, “Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?” Clearly, the people did not believe that He had the power to raise Lazarus from the dead. Jesus knew that Lazarus was going to be made alive soon. In light of this, He wept probably because He was grieved by the doubts of the people.
 
Jesus went to Bethany to do a mighty miracle: the miracle of calling the dead to life. Who were the dead? There was Lazarus who was physically dead, and then there were his friends who were spiritually dead. In fact, the miracle was performed not for the sake of Lazarus the physically dead, but for the living, yet spiritually dead. Jesus, when He prayed, said, “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” When Jesus cried out, “Lazarus, come forth,” not only was Lazarus brought to life, but also many of the Jews who were friends of the family (John 11:45). Jesus, in raising the physically dead, raised also the spiritually dead. A double miracle!
 
THOUGHT: “The resurrection is the chief point of the Gospel.” (Calvin)
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for abundant life now, and eternal life hereafter.

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