The true story of Lazarus, the friend of Jesus. John 11:1-44

Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, it was obvious what a great love He had for them but His responses and actions may have appeared contrary to those around him. In the opening He is told that Lazarus was sick, what did He do? He stayed an additional 2 days!

If we were told one of our beloved friends were sick we’d probably leave immediately, right!? Jesus did the opposite and for good reason. He said it was for His glory, did they understand this? He paid no attention to the possible danger of returning to Judea, the disciples thought Lazarus was just naturally asleeo but He told them their friend Lazarus was dead and that He was glad He waited and it so they would believe!

When Martha heard that Jesus arrived, she ran out to meet him, four days had already passed! after four days there is definitely a stench, with Jesus that doesn’t matter. She didn’t get it when He said Lazarus would rise immediately because He is the resurrection! Mary and Martha complained that He didn’t come on time, Jesus was deeply moved by them as well as the others because of lack of belief as well as their sadness.

When He finally got to the tomb, He called Lazarus by name specifically and Lazarus was “drawn” out, he was still bound hands, face and feet! Once in front of Him he told those around him to unbind him so that he can go!

I love this example of how dead we are without Jesus and how it takes a call by name to be made alive and drawn out! Jesus even shows how we are used to participate in the removal of bindings, in a sense a discipling of the one made alive can walk. All people are just as dead as Lazarus until called by Jesus! When called we are drawn out, remember Lazarus was bound and didn’t come out on his own effort or power!

When you are called you are called by name, to be made alive, it’s all Jesus, there is no resisting, only receiving! Praise Jesus for His calling us, making us alive for His glory!