He that was dead came forth

The restoration of Lazarus to life sent shock waves through the many inhabitants of Judea. Here was a miracle that undoubtedly proved the Messianic claims of the Lord Jesus. It would bolster the faith of His disciples in the face of His imminent death, and at the same time send such fear into the hearts of the Pharisees and Sadducees that they would determine to have Him put to death.

By the time the Lord arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Many mourners had gathered to share the grief of Martha and Mary. As the Lord approached Bethany, first Martha went out to meet Him, and then Mary. Their words seemed to convey a reprimand. They both told the Lord that if only He had come earlier Lazarus would not have died. Although there was an evident sense of fear and frustration in their words they still expressed confidence in His ability to do something.

As the Lord draws near to the tomb, He begins to weep. Many have speculated over the reason why He wept, but it would seem at the very least it was a response to the grief He saw in the faces of Mary and Martha. His tears not only prove the reality of His manhood, but also His ability to enter into and feel the depths of sorrow of His own sheep.

In the raising of Lazarus He not only demonstrated His authority as He commanded that the stone be rolled away, and for Lazarus to come forth, but also He showed His dependence on the Father. Before raising Lazarus, He lifted up his voice in prayer to His Father to ensure that all around would know where this power had come from.

To those of us who are saved, it is a wonderful reminder that some day, even perhaps today, the Lord might come and with a shout will raise the dead in Christ. Unlike Lazarus, they will be raised to die no more.

The Pharisees and the chief rulers on the other hand were incensed. This sense of envy would now drive them on to the awful deed to be carried out at Calvary in a week’s time.