Highly Exalted

This week we will conclude our five part series in the book of John as we look at Jesus’ resurrection miracle in Bethany.  The cross looms on the horizon at this point in John’s narrative and with each miracle (or sign) Jesus performs, the scrutiny of the Pharisees and the religious elite increases.  John 11 records one of Jesus’ greatest miracles – the pinnacle, really, of all His signs that point toward His glory.  In this passage, Jesus raises the four-day-old-dead Lazarus from a tomb in order to demonstrate His awesome glory.  Much of the passage leading up to the actual miracle, tells of a pre-occupied Mary and Martha who do not understand why Jesus did not heal their brother but waited to come.  Albeit, they believed Jesus could heal Lazarus – while he was alive, but they were not expecting to see Jesus demonstrate His glory after openly weeping for His friend.  Aside from the sisters, Jesus’ disciples no doubt were scratching their heads as to why Jesus wouldn’t speak healing instead of traveling back to Bethany where Jesus’ persecutors from Jerusalem were present.  However, our Lord had a plan to reveal a glimpse of His power through Lazarus’ resurrection and to have the most people see it so they might believe on Him.

Jesus’ power over death should not be surprising for us.  His power to change lives is wrapped up in His power to restore life and to restore it abundantly through His resurrection.  Our Lord’s graciousness toward us while we were yet sinners is the ultimate sign that needs to be highlighted for the world.  Jesus’ power to restore the fellowship between sinners and a righteous God is the good news of the Gospel that needs to permeate the very foundation of our church in order to reach the world for Christ and to see His name glorified.