APRIL 18th
LIFE OR DEATH
CONDITIONS FOR A DEATH-DENYING MIRACLE (Continued)
So far we have seen Jesus and grace as well as compassion without defilement create conditions of marvel as the miraculous Power of God raised the dead. Death found no place for struggle and could by no means wrest its power from the Grip of Resurrection Life. As the conditions for the miracles intensifies with the raising of Lazarus after being dead four days, let us read thoroughly this scene in depth surrounding this extraordinary miracle.
Reading: John 11:1-7
John 11:1 Now a certain [man] was sick, [named] Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
11:2 (It was [that] Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
11:4 When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
11:6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
11:7 Then after that saith he to [his] disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
Mary and Martha represent types of ministries that will contribute to the conditions of this death-defying miracle. Lazarus was sick and both of his sisters (ministries) sent word to Jesus. The message emphasized “he whom thou lovest is sick.” The word used for sick carries a meaning of a sickness that is in decline where death is imminent. That is the precise condition of man apart from Christ. Because of the Fall, every man is spiritually dead, and despite physical life, the state of sickness persists apart from God. It is profound that the Lord is reminded of His love for Lazarus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, received the news of Lazarus’ condition. Despite His great love for Lazarus, He could not proceed without Father’s permission. Father had a season for His Son to be glorified. In His glory, Jesus would undo the work of the adversary in the Fall. As Messiah, He had a precise Plan to follow. All the way to the Cross, His actions in all things would manifest Father’s Thoughts. Eternal Power was being demonstrated in every parable, healing, teaching, and movement, fulfilling all the Law and prophets spoke of. Again unmoved by the threat of death, He moved fearlessly at Father’s command.
Continued