Tag Archives: Lazarus

LUKE’S GOSPEL…THE AFTERLIFE – 43

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“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭19‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus’ story about the rich man and Lazarus is probably the clearest glimpse He gave us of the afterlife of both the righteous and the unrighteous. In it, there are a few descriptive details of the state and the experience of two categories of people who died. 

Humans categorise people in many different ways…rich or poor, educated or uneducated, lazy or diligent, even black or white… and the list goes on. However, Jesus categorised people and nations according to their standing before God, righteous or unrighteous, calling nations “sheep” or “goats” (Matthew 25) according to their lifestyle and, consequently, their eternal destiny. 

What was the dividing line? Not belief in God, but the outcome of belief in Him. Believing in Jesus is knowing Him. Knowing Him is loving Him. Loving Him is obeying Him. Obeying Him is serving Him…and serving Him is serving His people. 

“And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So, in Jesus’ story, the rich man went to the rubbish dump where trash is burned, because his neglect of the poor man at his gate revealed his indifference to God, ending in a wasted life. 

Jesus’ target audience was the Pharisees…

“The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Imagine their outrage when Jesus continued…

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Pharisees thought that they would be the ones who would be carried by the angels to paradise when they died. However, instead, even their “generosity” was part of their play acting. 

The rich man begged for a little respite for his suffering…

“So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…but Father Abraham responded…

“…‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Why was the situation of the rich man and Lazarus reversed in the afterlife? Although not clearly stated, in the context of Scripture, the rich man spent his life enjoying his wealth with no thought for the poor man at his gate. Although Jesus did not specifically say so, Lazarus must have trusted God despite his poor condition. There was no other way for him be in paradise with Abraham. 

There are preachers today, proponents of the “prosperity gospel”, who enjoy the spoils of their preaching, claiming that their wealth is evidence of God’s blessing and even His reward…

…while, by contrast, Paul taught that…

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…and Jesus said that…

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There are many ways to show our love to God’s people but the most practical way is to take care of their material needs. 

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s get this clear. The rich man did not go to the fire because he was rich. He went there because he did not love God by using his wealth to serve the poor man. 

Now, the sequel to the story is this…that the rich man only woke up to the plight of others when he was in torment. While he was on earth, he had pampered only himself. Then, in the fire, he pleaded, “Send Lazarus to warn my brothers.” He found out the hard way that there was a price to pay for his selfishness. 

“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭27‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Moses and the prophets” were there all the time! His brothers only had to read to find out what God required of them. Not even the miraculous return of someone from the dead would make a difference to those who ignore Jesus and reject His word. 

Was Jesus alluding to His own resurrection which was on the horizon, that would judge the Pharisees because they chose to reject Him and His word? They tried to cover up the truth by spreading lies about Him but it didn’t work. By His resurrection from the dead, Jesus forever sealed the fate of those who refuse to take Him seriously. There was no need to send Lazarus to the rich man’s brothers. Jesus Himself would rise as the witness to His own truth. 

This story was intended to expose the heart. The Apostle Paul digs deep to uncover the core of the issue, not the doing but the motive. 

“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

That’s where it really hurts!

To be continued…

JOHN’S GOSPEL… LAZARUS, COME OUT – 19

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The light shines on the third sibling in this saga, the one who set it in motion. This is the story of Lazarus, the over-indulged little brother, the darling of the two sisters. (I’m using poetic licence here, assuming what is not written in the text).

Why was Lazarus not mentioned when Jesus visited the home in Bethany? Was his resistance to Jesus so great that he went AWOL when Jesus arrived? Was Lazarus among those already condemned because he refused to believe in Him?

I ask these qestions because of the deliberate way in which John described the outcome.

Jesus told His disciples that Lazarus would not die and yet, his death was for God’s glory. How would He work out this riddle?

John 11:4 NIV
[4] When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

Was resurrection from physical death the best way to glority the Father? I suggest that Lazarus died, not only a physical death but also a spiritual death in those four days in the grave. Did he have a taste of hell? Did Jesus allow him a near death experience specifically to shake him out of his unbelief? What transformed him from a constant absentee to one who was present in the company at a dinner in Jesus’ honour? Why did John take pains to write, in John 12, that Lazarus was present at the table with Jesus?

John 12:1-2 NIV
[1] “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. [2] Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.”

Without specifically saying so, was John declaring that Lazarus had become a believer? How better to reveal God’s glory than to present a man, separated from Jesus through his unbelief, transformed by grace through his encounter with death!

So, is it possible that Jesus, through the use of this opportunity, and under the Father’s direction, reached deep into the heart of this man whom He loved? Understanding his reservations, and leading him, through a horrifying encounter with hell, to faith and a new life back in his body, Jesus called him out, and Lazarus emerged from the tomb.

In this mighty miracle, Jesus declared, not only His power over death but His promise of resurrection for all who believe in Him by defeating His own death.

Once again, as He so often did, He magnified His name, “I am… Yahweh…”, this time, the resurrection and the life, by confirming it with a demonstration of God’s power working through Him.

JOHN’S GOSPEL… THE LAZARUS EVENT – 18

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John’s gospel, the story another opportuty, reached its pinnacle in John 11. John was the only one who recorded the “Lazarus event”, a miracle so great that it, finally and forever as far as John was concerned, confirmed the identity of Jesus as the Son of God.

Let’s trace the events, one by one.

The Bethany home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus became an oasis for Jesus, a familiar place where He visited often, was always welcome, and felt at home. The sisters and He became good friends, although the brother, Lazarus, didn’t seem to feature much in the story.

Martha, the eldest and the busiest, always made sure that the company was well fed. Mary, probably the next in line, was the pensive one, sensitive and emotional. She ignored protocol to be close to Jesus when He used the time in their home to teach His disciples, sitting at His feet in the company of men!

And Lazarus? Where was he? Despite their friendship, did he have issues with Jesus? Why was he specifically described as one that Jesus loved and yet, he was never in the company when Jesus visited? Somehow, it seems, Jesus loved the ones who weren’t sure about Him…even like the rich young ruler.

John 11:1, 3 NLT
[1] “A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha…
[3] So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.”

There must have been some connection between Jesus and Lazarus, a friendship on the quiet despite their differences, that prompted the comment, “Your dear friend,”…

Jesus had withdrawn from public view because the Pharisees were after His blood, and He knew that it was not yet His time.

John 10:39-40 NLT
[39] “Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and left them. [40] He went beyond the Jordan River near the place where John was first baptizing and stayed there awhile.”

So, when Lazarusc fell ill, Jesus was out of town. A frantic message to Him took days to reach Him. Then He waited a few more days before responding. What was going on here? It’s almost as though Jesus had His ear to the ground, waiting for a signal from the Father before He made a move. He dawdled long enough for the inevitable to happen. Lazarus died and was buried…and the He made His move.

But, for the sisters, Jesus didn’t come!

Imagine the disappointment, the disillusionment, the devastation these sisters felt! The Jesus whom, they thought, loved them, whom they trusted, believed in, and worshipped as Lord, had failed them! He didn’t even send them a message, “I’m coming…” Just silence!

Despite appearances, Jesus was right on track. Always listening for the inward voice of the Father, He understood that this was another opportunity. He must act at each precise moment for the greatest impact of the “Lazarus event”.

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.”

John 11:5-7, 11 NLT
[5] So, although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, [6] he stayed where he was for the next two days. [7] Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”…
[11] Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.”

His disciples were puzzled. Why did act so strangely, never in a hurry, His actions decisive and precise, even in a crisis? If Lazarus was dead, why go back into danger?

John 11:14-15 NLT
[14] So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. [15] And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

Slowly, piece by piece, the picture in the puzzle was taking shape. Jesus’ deliberate delay prepared the scene for the greatest miracle they would ever witness. If ever they had doubts about the identity of their rabbi, this miracle would catapult them beyond doubt.

So, in this story and its various players, each one had opinions about Jesus, and each one responded differently to His mysterious behaviour…until it all came together in one unforgettable miracle too public, too visible, and too undeniable to ignore, that clinched the deal for all concerned.

Jesus knew what He was doing. This miracle formed the final great divide between faith and unbelief and their consequences. Some chose faith, and with it, eternal life. Others chose unbelief, and drove them to do the worst they could do…eliminate the one who stood in their way.

John 11:53 NLT
[53] “So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death.”…

WHY DID LAZARUS HAVE TO DIE? – 15

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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.”

TRANSFORMED – BY DEATH

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TRANSFORMED – BY DEATH

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.” John 12:1, 2a NIV.

I find it strange that, for the first time the name of Lazarus, Martha and Mary’s brother was mentioned apart from his sickness and death in John 11. Although Jesus visited their home in Bethany many times, Lazarus did not feature until after he was raised from the dead. There is no indication that the two sisters even had a brother until now.

Is it possible that Lazarus was unsympathetic, even hostile to Jesus before he died? The sisters called him, “The one whom you love,” but that does not mean than he had any sort of relationship with Jesus. Jesus loved the rich young ruler and yet he chose not to follow Him and walked away.

Did Jesus allow Lazarus to die so that he could go to the grave an unbeliever; to awaken him to the truth that there is an afterlife and that there is only one way to the Father, after all, and that is through Jesus?

For the first time, at the dinner given in Jesus’ honour in his home, Lazarus was among those reclining at the table. John makes sure that his readers understand that it was in Jesus’ honour, not Lazarus’, that Martha arranged this function. The fact that Lazarus was one of the dinner guests meant that Jesus and he were reconciled. Did he refuse to eat with Jesus until now because he did not believe in Him?

Although this is conjecture, if it is the truth, Jesus might deliberately have allowed Lazarus to experience death and then bring him back to life again so that he would know what it was like to be separated from God and then be given another opportunity to believe in Him.

“…with Him.” Is that a loaded statement? It almost sounds as though John wanted to emphasize Lazarus’ new intimacy with Jesus. Jesus would have occupied the place of honour at the table, but where was Lazarus seated? “With Him,” right beside Him; perhaps reclining on Him as John would do at the Passover meal.

I think it was more than gratitude that brought Lazarus to faith in Jesus. He was probably one of those men who was too proud or too stubborn to acknowledge that he was wrong. He needed a wake-up call (pardon the pun) far stronger than Jesus” teaching, or even His healing miracles. Was he one like Thomas who demanded to poke his finger into Jesus’ wounds before he would believe?

Whatever Lazarus needed to shake him out of his unbelief, Jesus met him and he became a convinced and devoted follower. He had tasted death and returned. The Pharisees could argue that the man born blind was not blind or not healed or whatever else they wanted to believe but they could never argue away the truth that Lazarus was decaying in the tomb and Jesus called him back to life.

“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:3 NIV.

This verse completes the picture and gives one a feeling of satisfaction. Each member of the Bethany family is in his or her place; Martha in the kitchen, serving; Lazarus at Jesus’ side, reclining; and Mary at Jesus’ feet, adoring; each one worshipping Jesus in the appropriate way! Finally, Lazarus has come home. He has become a member of God’s family and has taken his rightful place in his human family.

It was a long and difficult road for him. He had to endure the suffering of his mortality to gain an understanding of his immortality. In His love for Lazarus, Jesus allowed him to walk right into physical and spiritual death to feel the magnitude of God’s grace and to receive the gift of everlasting life that was wrapped up in His own death and resurrection. In the course of a few days Jesus would be where Lazarus had been so that Lazarus could be where He was.

He did that for him and for us too…!

Acknowledgement

Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.