John 11:4 NLT‬
[4] But when Jesus heard about it, he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”

The story of Lazarus is the pinnacle of John’s “signs”. I wonder why the other three gospels didn’t record this miracle of miracles!

There are other stories of Jesus raising people from the dead, for example, Jairus’ daughter and the widow’s son. However, no other miracle in Scripture shines the light on God’s power more than
Lazarus living again after decomposing in the grave for four days.

Among many other lessons we learn from this remarkable event is the truth that God’s power can restore those who have returned to dust. Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Not only did He return from death in an indestructible resurrection body, but He also promised that those who believe in Him will rise again in immortal bodies like His.

However, to return to Lazarus, the gospels are strangely silent about Lazarus. Although he was part of the family in Bethany that Jesus often visited, we know nothing about him.. He is never mentioned apart from his name coupled with the two sisters, Martha and Mary. Did Lazarus avoid Jesus for some reason? Yet, Jesus loved him.

There was another wayward young man, the rich young ruler, whom Jesus offended by instructing him to get rid of his riches. He walked away sad because his wealth stood between him and following Jesus. Yet Jesus loved him!

I know this is pure conjecture but, did Jesus allow Lazarus to die to give him a taste of hell, the place to which his unbelief would take him?

After his resurrection, at the banquet prepared in Jesus’ honour, where was Lazarus? Absent, as usual?

‭John 12:1-2 NLT‬
[1] “Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. [2] A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him.”

Why would John draw attention to Lazarus twice? Yes, he was the central figure in the drama of his resurrection but his presence with Jesus at the table on this occasion was noted.

I like to think that Lazarus was not only raised from physical death, only to die again, but also from spiritual death, never to die again. Didn’t Jesus declare to Martha,

‭John 11:25 NLT‬
[25]… “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
[26] Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

Lazarus’ presence at the banquet had a cultural significance. Sharing a meal with another meant that they were in fellowship, no issues between them. So, Lazarus ate with Jesus.

For each member of this Bethany family, Lazarus’ death and resurrection settled issues once and for all.

Lazarus was in fellowship with Jesus. He sat at the table with Him.

“Lazarus was among those who ate with Him.”

Martha’s faith in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, was irrevocably confirmed.

‭John 11:27 NLT‬
[27] “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”

Mary’s trust in and devotion to Jesus was finally restored.

‭John 12:3 NLT‬
[3] “Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.”

A family healed through suffering…. Mission accomplished.

‭John 11:4 NLT‬
[4]” But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”

Once again, Jesus’ words and actions were right on target. He WAS the Son of God, then and now, and He proved it. Lazarus died and was raised to eternal life, to the glory of Jesus and the Father.

John 11:4 NLT‬
[4] But when Jesus heard about it, he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”