Our scripture this morning is John 11:17-27.
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 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. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
The story of the raising of Lazarus shows us Jesus’ power over death, even before His crucifixion. There are other examples in scripture as well, as when He raised the synagogue leader’s daughter (Matthew 9, Mark 5, Luke 8). These passages illustrate His compassion for those He loves, which extends to every one of us. Later in this story, Jesus weeps as they gather at the tomb of His friend.
While all we can do is mourn, Jesus is not bound by our human limitations. However, He has come not just to raise Lazarus but to show us the miraculous love God has for each of us. He tells Martha “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die”. This is a more marvelous thing than raising someone who has died back to mortal life. This is the promise of eternal life with Him.
Jesus wants us to know that there is more for us than the life we lead here on earth. How we care for each other and show our love for Him here is important, because it prepares us for glory that is to come. Jesus wants all of us raised with Him on the last day to be with Him forever.
Gracious God, in Your mercy Jesus came to love and save and free us. Bless us to be the bearers of the Good News of His return to bring us all home. Amen.
