As we continue our series on the Miracles of Jesus, we’re about to dive into another remarkable event recorded in the Gospel of John. This particular miracle reveals profound truths about our Savior’s love, compassion, and power. It’s a story that intersects with the very experiences we face in our own lives – trials, loss, and moments of doubt.

The Delay and the Lesson of Patience

In John chapter 11, we read about Jesus’ close friends, Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. When Lazarus fell gravely ill, the sisters sent a message to Jesus, expecting Him to come and heal their brother. But Jesus delayed His arrival. This might have puzzled the sisters, as they likely assumed that with Jesus present, Lazarus would be healed.

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” (John 11:5-6)

Why did Jesus delay? The lesson we can learn here is that God’s timing is not always our timing. Sometimes, when we pray for things, we expect an immediate response. But Jesus wanted to deepen the sisters’ faith and help them understand that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

Trusting in God’s Perfect Timing

As the story unfolds, we see that Lazarus has passed away by the time Jesus arrives. The sisters express their disappointment, saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32) They struggled to understand why Jesus had not come sooner.

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32)

But Jesus had a higher purpose in mind. He wanted to reveal His power over death and demonstrate that He is the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25) By allowing Lazarus to die, Jesus would have the opportunity to bring him back to life, showcasing His divine authority.

Jesus’ Compassion and Comfort

As we continue reading, we see that Jesus was deeply moved by the sisters’ grief. He wept. (John 11:35) This reminds us that Jesus fully understands our pain and suffering. He is not a distant, disconnected God, but one who enters into our experiences with compassion.

“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

Jesus’ presence brought comfort and assurance to Martha and Mary, even in their darkest hour. He demonstrated that He is a faithful friend who stands with us in our moments of despair, confusion, and grief. This is the kind of friend we all need – one who can simply be present with us, without needing to fix or cure our problems.

The Transforming Power of Resurrection

Finally, we witness the ultimate display of Jesus’ power – the resurrection of Lazarus. After commanding the stone to be rolled away from the tomb, Jesus prayed to the Father, acknowledging that He always hears Him. Then, with a loud voice, Jesus called out:

“Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43)

Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, emerged from the tomb, still wrapped in his grave clothes. Jesus had triumphed over death itself. This miracle was a profound demonstration of Jesus’ authority over the powers of darkness and a symbol of the new life that He offers to all who believe in Him.

Embracing the Hope of Resurrection

The raising of Lazarus reminds us that Jesus is the answer to our deepest needs – whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. Just as Lazarus was brought back to life, we too can experience the transformative power of God in our own lives.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

My dear friends, do not lose hope in the face of life’s challenges. Remember that our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever imagine or think. When we bring our needs to Him in faith, He will answer in His perfect timing and in a way that brings glory to His name.

A Challenge to Pursue God’s Purpose

As we reflect on this powerful story, I want to challenge you to truly believe that God can do the impossible in your life. If you are facing a seemingly hopeless situation, do not waver in your faith. Persist in prayer, knowing that your Heavenly Father hears you and is working behind the scenes to bring about a miraculous solution.

So, I encourage you to embrace the hope of resurrection in your own life. Believe that Jesus can transform your circumstances, no matter how dire they may seem. Trust in His perfect timing and let His compassion and power fill your heart with renewed faith and expectation.

My friends, the same God who raised Lazarus from the dead is the same God who is able to do immeasurably more in your life. Will you choose to stand firm in your faith and allow Him to work mightily on your behalf? The choice is yours, but I can assure you that the rewards of trusting in God’s perfect plan are far greater than we can ever imagine.