In the story of Lazarus, we see Jesus displaying raw emotion at the death of His friend Lazarus. It is an intense story with escalating drama! Jesus is crushed with sorrow at the death of His friend; and He joins Mary and Martha in their grieving. But when the Son of God stands on the edge of a grave, death flees. In spectacular fashion, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.

In the flow of the Gospel of John, this is the last and great miracle1 before Holy Week. This miracle is meant to convince you that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, so that you might believe in His Name and have eternal life.

The raising of Lazarus occurs right outside the city gates of Jerusalem! Many people will see it, and it will the talk of the town! It’s a big deal!

We are all like Lazarus –> we will all die someday.

Like Lazarus, our only hope is in Christ, the Son of God.

This is also our hope, our confident faith in the promises of God. The promises of God are based on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead in the Third Day. If the Lord Jesus can raise Lazarus’ body from the dead, He can raise your body from the dead also! If Jesus can raise His own body from the dead, He can raise your body from the dead also! That’s His promise to you! On the Last Day, your dead body will PHYSICALLY come back to life and be glorified and be fit for and eternity in Heaven! This is resurrected life.

Today, trust the Lord’s promises about eternal life!

Believe the Word of Jesus.

He is faithful and His Word is true! He keeps every single promise that He makes! And He promises that you have eternal life right now; and He gives you the confident hope and assurance of resurrected life later! Amen!