Lazarus was a great friend. Jesus had special feelings for him, as any person would have. It was sad to see any person go through the spiritual crushing which a dying person experiences.
Before Jesus resurrected Lazarus, he was in anguish for multiple reasons, one being the sadness/joy which the sisters would feel when their brother would walk from the dark tomb. What sisters would not be sad seeing their brother in swaddling death wrapping. Yet, this is his rebirth, a renewal into a second chance upon earth.
Salvation is of the Lord. Jesus would resurrect Himself after His crucifixion. This he knew standing before Lazarus' tomb. That would be the revelation of the true riches of Israel, the promise of everlasting life revealed. Would people appreciate it, and continue His work as they should? He had prepared them. As a Father sees his children off to school, Jesus was meditating upon the wisdom the apostles would have. Would Lazarus now live wisely, and consider this renewal of life an opportunity to serve Jesus even more actively?
The sight of Lazarus coming from the stone-cold tomb wrapped in tattered rags reminded Jesus of his first appearance as man. He had been with Mary and Joseph in the cave grotto surrounded by domestic creatures in their natural habitat. Smelly, damp, and musky the cave was barren but appreciated by Joseph and Mary. They had appreciated everything in their lives. Now, he too should appreciate all things. Even this sadness of the sisters and their friends should be turned to joy. Jesus appreciated God's wisdom of life and death. Through the reality of one, the other could be seen more vividly. Surely mankind would learn. Surely they would choose to share life.
By: Ken Cravens - February 03, 2008 - Public
Category: Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
