The story of Lazarus in John chapter 11 is filled with mixed emotions. Can you imagine the feelings that welled up inside of Mary and Martha. The sisters knew that only if Jesus had only been there, He could have kept their brother from dying. Its one thing to know that your brother died, and you will grieve for t all right. It is another thing to know that he could not have been dead. If only Jesus was there earlier. This is what aggravated the feelings of the sisters. Furthermore, Jesus knew that He could have been there, but He chose not to be. The result was confusion and bitter loss for the sisters and deep pain for the Lord who loved Lazarus and his sisters very much.
The question to ask really is, why did Jesus took so long to come to Lazarus. In fact the Bible says that it took Him two days after He heard that Lazarus was sick. Why did He not immediately go to the side of the dying friend? Or why did He not just speak the words or think the thoughts that could have brought healing to Lazarus' body?
Jesus' response to Lazarus' body? Jesus' response to this question is clear. In John 11:25-26, He said, “ I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” We as Christians should be comforted with these words. We are saddened by the news of young people committing suicide as if it was the “in thing”. In the midst of this chaotic world, where corruption and criminality is common, we can be assured that we have God who can give order. In the world where desperation and lack of hope prevails, we have a God who gives grace. In a world where people die of sickness and violence, we have a God who gives life. |
