I recently studied John 11, where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. I needed to intentionally remove previous assumptions about this familiar portion of Scripture, in order to see clearly other lessons in it.
Context for this Scripture is that it was a dangerous time for Jesus and his disciples in and around Jerusalem. Lazarus, Martha and Mary lived in the village of Bethany, a nearby town. Jesus was a frequent visitor. Verse five states that Jesus loved them dearly, using the word agape to define their relationship. They were beloved friends.
Jesus and his disciples are ministering several towns over, several days travel away. Lazarus becomes deathly ill. Mary and Martha send for Jesus, their trusted, dependable, beloved friend to come quickly. Surely he would hurry to minster to those he loved so dearly. Verses 4-6 show that he tarried for several days, telling his disciples, This sickness will not end in death, it is for Gods glory Yet, it did end in death. Death of the one he loved so much, Lazarus. When he decides to travel to Bethany, his disciples argue with him that it will be too dangerous for him. One more time, Jesus does the unexpected. He sets aside the danger to himself, and travels to Bethany.
Readers may be shocked at the brazen and disrespectful way Martha and Mary approach Jesus when he finally arrives. It appears unseemly to question his intentions, his attention, his decisions. And here is the new lesson. We can freely approach Jesus with what is on our hearts be it doubt, disbelief, even questions. He is big enough, strong enough, and loving enough to handle our thoughts, our emotions, and our questions. These are the basis of coming to our own faith. To bring our real selves to him and trust him to take them and fill them with his spirit (see Ephesians 1:13-14).
Another lesson from this Scripture is that grief may be all-encompasing. The emotions can overwhelm what we already know, even the truth we have already accepted. Martha and Mary share their unbelief in Jesus not coming immediately when they called for him. Yet, they also declare their faith in his power over sickness and death as they state, if you had come he would not have died. Both things can be true. We can have questions even as we have deep faith. It is with any relationship, that we work towards greater understanding together.
There are greater lessons to be learned in this Scripture, of course. As Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, we begin to understand that he has power to change death to life, physically and spiritually. When it looks like the end, when the facts say it is over, he brings new life. We can trust this in our own lives. We get just a glimpse of the bigger picture that arches over everything, It is for Gods glory, that the son of God may be glorified in all things.
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