![]() So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister and Lazarus. Quite cruel, one may say, but God knows the plan He has for those who believe in Him, and Lazarus’ story is just about that. Jesus didn’t go to him immediately, but waited for two days, till the time he died. Such was the case when Lazarus’ sisters called out for Jesus when he was ill. This miracle spells God’s glory all throughout, as if all the events that happened, and were happening, were organized so that they who witness this miracle would believe that this “teacher” who resides among them is none other than the right hand of God, His only Son! At times, when our prayers aren’t answered, doubts enter our mind. This incidence is recorded in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Saint John, chapter 11, verses 1 to 44. ![]() Lazarus was one of the few whom Jesus raised from the dead during His ministry on earth. In this case, it was none other than His only son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who raised Lazarus from the dead, right out of the tomb he was buried in. Isn’t it (or not) an extraordinary coincidence that a man whose name itself means being helped by God is actually the one who has now become the supreme example that God does come to rescue those whom He loves, and who believe in Him. How appropriate, then, that Jesus set an example of showing sympathy for the bereaved by sincerely shedding tears even though he was about to raise Lazarus.Where the Name Stands True to its Meaning!ĭid you know? The name ‘Lazarus’ comes from the Hebrew word אלעזר, Elʿāzār (Eleazar), which actually means ‘God is my help’ or ‘God has helped’. 12:15) Expressing such grief does not indicate that a person lacks faith in the resurrection hope. Likewise, our empathy may move us to “weep with people who weep.” ( Rom. Still, he gave way to tears, moved by his deep love and compassion for his friends. Jesus knew that he was going to resurrect Lazarus. Another lesson we can learn from this account is that we should have compassion for those who are grieving over the death of their loved ones. It also helps us to appreciate that Jesus has fellow feeling for those who have lost loved ones to Adamic death. This account demonstrates that Jesus has the power and ability to bring our loved ones back to life and health in the coming new world. When Jesus met Lazarus’ sister Mary and saw her and others weeping, he “groaned in the spirit and became troubled.” Seeing their pain moved Jesus to feel hurt to the point of ‘groaning in the spirit.’ That was why “Jesus gave way to tears.” It greatly saddened Jesus to see his beloved friends stricken with grief. ![]() What, then, moved Jesus to give way to tears? Again, the context provides the answer. So there was no reason for him to be pained over Lazarus’ death itself. That is why he told them that he was “journeying there to awaken from sleep.” ( John 11:11) To Jesus, raising Lazarus from death would be like a parent waking his child from a nap. In his discussion with his disciples on this occasion, Jesus compared death to a sleeplike state. Jesus intended to use Lazarus’ death “for the glory of God.” How? Jesus was about to perform a spectacular miracle by raising his dear friend from the grave. He said: “This sickness is not with death as its object, but is for the glory of God, in order that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” ( John 11:4) Death was not the “object,” or end result, of Lazarus’ sickness. The account says: “When heard that was sick, then he actually remained two days in the place where he was.” ( John 11:6) Why did Jesus delay? He had a purpose in doing so. When Jesus first heard that Lazarus was sick, he did not rush to Lazarus’ bedside to cure him. ![]() He shed tears out of compassion for the bereaved, as indicated by the context of John’s account. Though he had affection for Lazarus, Jesus did not give way to tears because Lazarus died. When a loved one dies, we naturally shed tears because we will miss him. ![]()
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