THE LAZARUS EXPERIENCE – John 11:28-57 (Part Two)
Last week we saw that Jesus delayed going to Bethany for three reasons; 1) For His Father’s glory.(v.4a) 2) For His glory.(v.4b) 3) For the faith of His disciples.(v.15),That they might “believe.”As Jesus approaches Bethany Martha goes out to meet Him. In their brief conversation, the Lord reminds her that “hope” lies notin the future, but in the present; for “He is the resurrection and the life!” To which Martha responded, (v.27).
(v.28-35) In (v.33b) The Greek word for groaned – embrimaomai: meaning: to snort with anger; or to sigh.The Greek word for“troubled” can also be translated “agitate.”There are two possible reasons why Jesus “groaned,” (1) He was troubled by evidence of satanic tyranny.The sorrow, heartache and death, was introduced into the world by satan, through sin,(8:44). (2) He was troubled by their unbelief. The “unbelief” of the “mourners,” Martha and Mary. In Jesus day, it was common to hire “professional mourners.” In Mark 5:38-43 Jesus had to put out the “mourners,”who ridiculed Him, before He could raise the little girl from the dead. “Doubters and downers.” Those who surrounded Martha and Mary were promoting unbelief, rather than “hope.”
The Lord’s question (v.26b) and His “groaning” here suggest that Jesus was “agitated” by the fact that, Martha and Mary believed He was the Christ; except when it came to a “crisis!” Jesus “snorted angrily,” because of their lack of “faith.” He was not minimizing their “sorrow,” but was troubled by how “quick” they were to abandon their “hope” in Him! Even in the face of death, scripture reminds us we “mourn,” but not as those who have “no hope!” 1 Thessalonians 4:13.I wonder how often the Lord has “sighed,” over me, due to my “unbelief”; due to the “ease” by which I’m so quick to abandon my “confidence” in Him! (ttt) Hebrews 10:35-39.“Confidence,” hope, gives buoyancy to our faith; whereby we are then able to, glorify God, by moving beyond our “sorrows,” to everlasting hope in our “Savior!”
(v.35) “Jesus wept.” The shortest, and yet one of the most “compassionate” verses, in the English translation of scripture. The quiet shedding of our Lord’s tears came from a much deeper place, than the shallow, loud emotional cries of the mourners! He wept over mankind’s lost and hopeless condition, due to sin. He still weeps even today at the right-hand of the Throne of God; over every atrocity, every battered wife, abandoned child; over wars and rumors of war; over the “unbelief” found in our hearts. Jesus weeps, but His compassions “fail not!” Lamentations 3:22-24.He also weeps when we weep; our tears are not in vain! (Psalm 56:8-9) You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.
(v.36-45) Verse 37 reminds us of why many believers get caught up in “heretical” teachings, to the exclusion of God’s “sovereignty”; and the “context” of scripture.If Jesus healed the “blind,” why didn’t He heal this man? Because God does notwork the same way every time, because He’s “God!”(Isaiah 40:13-14) Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, Or as His counselor has taught Him? With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, And taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, And showed Him the way of understanding?(Proverbs 8:14) Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.
Thus, Jesus “groans” again in (v.38),because the people were attempting to understand God, according to “worldly reasoning!”The context for this “miracle” was the glorification of Christ;(v.41b, 42). They however, like many today, wanted to reduced the glorification of Christ, to a “miracle side-show!” In (v.39) Martha, “objects” to the opening of the tomb, saying: “…there is a stench!” But Jesus reminds her, of His “promise,”(v.40).Lesson: There are “tombs,” situations we’d rather not deal with, for fear of the “stench,” as well. But until we “roll back” the stone of “unbelief” aside, we will never see the “glory,” of God; what God can do!
According to the “Vine’s Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words”the Greek word forglory: doxa(doxology; a liturgical form of praise to God). It comes from;dokeo meaning: “to seem” – primarily signifies an opinion, estimate; nature and acts of God; what He essentially is and does.Thus, Jesus was saying to Martha, the practical one of the two sisters; the one who knew how to get things done!“God cannot “show up” until you “open up,” the tomb, by faith!”This is a great word for those of use prone to do life, by the “numbers!” (James 2:26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
(v.43b) Jesus not only “promises,” but also has the “authority” to say,“come forth!” Not even “death” coulddefy His “command!” Lesson:What’s holding you in the tomb of “unbelief?” Whatever it is, in Jesus name, it has to let you “go,” according to Christ uncontested authority!(John 8:36) Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.Yet, despite this demonstration of His authority in Lazarus’ life; despite your testimony which you have shared with others, regarding the “power” and “love” of God, many still refused to believe. (v.46-57).
(v.49) Caiaphas was the high priest that year. Originally the high priest held his position for a lifetime, but the Romans were afraid of letting a man gain too much power. So the Romans appointed high priests at their convenience. Caiaphas had the office from A.D. 18 to 36. (v.50)Let’s blame Christ for any “upheaval” among us; let Him be the “fall guy.” (v.51-53) Ironically, Caiaphas had prophesied that Jesus would die not only for the nation of Israel, but also for the world, (v.52). This prophecy was not by his own authority, but God; God spoke through Caiaphasbecause he held the “sacred office”of high priest. Yet, (v.53) reveals the “hardness” of their hearts. Despite the “truth” they sought to “kill” Jesus! As with many today, although their own words confirm the truth, they still “reject” Christ! (v.54) Jesus... withdrew from Bethany to a village about 15 miles north, called Ephraim. (v.55-57) As the Passover drew near, many started the journey up to Jerusalem; perhaps seven or eight days before the Feast, in order to purify themselves, according to the Law. (Num. 19; 31:19, 20).(Adam Clarke's Commentary; Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament)
CONCLUSION: The “Lazarus Experience” teaches us to place our faith in Christ, rather than our circumstances. Its where self ends and Jesus begins, to live through us; and we live through Him -His power, love, and peace!This “Thanksgiving” will provide many of us with a “Lazarus Experience”; as we gather with friends and family and are called upon to die to self; asking Godto pass “doubts,” “fears,” and “offenses,” that His “glory” might be revealed, in our midst!It’s time to “come forth!” To leave the grave clothes of the old man behind, and be renewed in Jesus name!