11 John – The Lazarus Factor

The Lazarus Factor

There’s definiteness to Jesus’ actions in John 11. He’s informed that his dear friend Lazarus is gravely ill (no pun intended). We are told that from the disciples perspective Jesus seems to “waste time” and finally arrives at Bethany way late, after Lazarus has been dead for four days. They are afraid to open the tomb because of the stench.

He’s waiting until his friend is stiff from rigor mortis. He’s waiting until Lazarus is getting comfortabletelling stories in heaven. He’s waiting until the onlookers think “impossible.” He’s waiting until he can prove, beyond doubt, that he is, “the Resurrection and the life”. He’s waiting until we can be convinced that if we believes in him will live, even though we die. He’s deliberately waiting to resurrect Lazarus, for a moment when we will see beyond doubt, and believe, and put our faith in him.

Will you believe Jesus and live?