This miracle is talked about only in the book of John. Jesus reaches Bethany after days of travel and preaching. A woman named Mary lived there in the village. She had a sister named Martha and a brother named Lazarus. When Mary heard about the arrival of Jesus, she went to receive Him. In John 10:40-41,40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. 41 Many came to him, and they were saying, “John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” We read that Jesus went back to Jordan. In those days Lazarus feel severely ill. Mary and Martha had full faith in Jesus and so they sent a word to Him about the illness. They believed that on hearing about Lazarus’s illness, Jesus would come as soon as possible. Instead nothing like this happened and two days passed by waiting for Him(John 11:6,6 after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.)To the human mind it would seem as cruel and heartless that the Lord showed no mercy and did not come to them immediately. Mary and Martha too felt like that. The plan of God is beyond the thinking of man and is revealed in His own words, John 11:4,4 But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
Lazarus dies. But Mary and Martha do not inform Jesus about it. But Jesus knows everything and says in John 11:11, 11 …, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” and in John 11:13, 13 Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep, He further clarifies. All the prayers said by men are like this. They should be answered instantly. They are not patient enough to offer them up to God and wait for His plans. When answers are not received, like Mary and Martha, we come disheartened and disappointed. We begin to think,” Why bother the Lord with out prayers?”. We think He is not listening. And many give up their faith completely. But we should remember Isaiah 59:1,See, the Lord’s hand is not too short to save,nor his ear too dull to hear,and Jeremiah 29:12-1312 Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. 13 When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart. The Lord keeps His word. W e should leave our prayers to be answered according to the Lord’s time and plan.
It is more wonderful and miraculous that Jesus raises Lazarus four days after his death rather than from illness. By witnessing this glorious miracle, the disciples and the Jews present there affirmed their belief in Jesus. This was the Lord’s plan and is also revealed in John 11:4 , 40-42, 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.”
Jesus arrived in Bethany four days after the death of Lazarus. But for Jesus, four days, four weeks, four months or four years is not the problem. All He wants is full and strong faith in Him(John 11:40).Mary says to Jesus that I believe whatever you ask from the Father you will receive ,John 11:22,22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” This is faith. In John 11:40, we find the answer to this. If we wish to see the glory of God we must strongly believe in Him
Jesus says to each one of us. If you believe in Me fully you will see the glory of God.
Lazarus’ tomb was actually a cave. Jesus comes to the tomb and prays to the almighty father. Jesus calls out to Lazarus, “Lazarus come out”. The dead man came out alive. The Lord never betrays those who have full faith and trust in Him and who love Him sincerely. He blesses them with His grace.
There are many famous personalities and families that we know about. But this family is known through the miracle of Jesus, Romans 8: 28, 28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. This miracle when read by us should strengthen the faith and belief of all I pray to the Lord. Come let is dedicate and offer ourselves to the Lord’s plan and His will, Psalms 16:1-3,
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
AMEN
Jehovah Roi 