Lazarus, come out! (John 11:43).
Let’s examine a few
easily missed ingredients in this miracle narrative.
First: This story is found only in John’s Gospel, who seems to describe this
event as the tipping point leading to the crucifixion (vv. 45-50).
Second: In Luke’s introduction of the sisters, Martha is all business but Mary
displays a more emotional side (Luke 10:38-42). Upon Jesus’ arrival, both offer
the same greeting: If you had been here, my brother would not have
died (Martha in 11:21
and Mary in v. 32), but Jesus’ responses to the sisters could not have been
more different. To practical Martha: Your brother will rise again. .
. . I am the resurrection and the life (vv. 23,25), but when he sees Mary and those with her weeping, he
breaks down and cries too (vv. 33-35). His response to each is congruent with
their personalities.
Third: The religious leaders respond with a hastily called meeting of the
Sanhedrin (the Jewish Supreme Court). Together they determine that this miracle
is drawing unwanted attention from the people and the Romans alike. So
from that day on they plotted to take [Jesus’] life (v. 53).
Fourth: I don’t remember this from Sunday School, but John tells us that
Caiaphas and Annas (the chief priests) put out a hit on Lazarus too (12:10).
Lazarus walking around was too big a threat. Better to put him back in the
ground and deny the miracle ever happened.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
What does it mean to you
that God knows you so intimately that he speaks to you precisely what you need
to hear, and exactly when you need to hear it?
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