Lazarus was a dear friend to Jesus. When he fell ill, his sisters sent word, but Jesus stayed where He was two more days.
So, then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” John 11:14
Jesus could have come right away but did not so God would be glorified. He knew what He was doing. Jesus had the tomb opened and prayed loudly:
“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” John 11:41-43
There are many more layers to this story. Mary and Martha both said, “If only You had been here, our brother would not have died.” They spoke out of grief, anger, or pain, even in the presence of the Savior.
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40
When Jesus approached the tomb and saw how Mary and the others were weeping, He was moved in Spirit, and He wept. Some translations say, “He groaned in Spirit.” Not the deep, guttural sound we think of, but a sigh, or a shudder, out of sympathy, His own pain and perhaps frustration at their lack of faith, certainly reasonable human reactions. What struck me most was “He wept.” Jesus knew what He was about to do yet He wept for the pain His beloved felt in the meantime.
It is okay to grieve, to be frustrated and even a bit angry when we face the trials of this life. Thankfully, like Mary, Jesus welcomes us to fall at His feet in a crumpled mess and have an ugly cry.
Jesus knows what He is about to do, and He weeps with us in the process. If you believe, you will see the Glory of God. Jesus said so.
Lord may Your miracles come sooner than later, but in Your time and Your will. Please hold us closer until then, and even after that.
Amen…
Leave a Reply