Jesus was demonstrate His VICTORY OVER DEATH by raising Lazarus from the dead who had spent FOUR DAYS in a tomb. Jewish tradition shortly after the time of Christ (which likely reflects beliefs during the time of Christ) teaches that the dead body is not truly and finally dead until the FOURTH DAY. In the Talmud, it says, “The whole strength of the mourning is not till the third day; for three days long the soul returns to the grave, thinking that it will return (into the body); when however it sees that the color of its face has changed then it goes away and leaves it” (Gen. Rab. 100 [64a];
“Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He GROANED (embrimaomai: to have indignation (anger at the sorrow caused by death)) in the spirit and WAS TROUBLED (tarassō: take away his calmness).” (John 11:33) The NLT says it this way, “When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a DEEP ANGER welled up within Him, and He was deeply troubled.” (John 11:33)
LET’S UNDERSTAND WHY JESUS WAS TROUBLED…
When Jesus heard that, Lazarus was sick He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY OF GOD, that the Son of God may be GLORIFIED THROUGH IT.” (John 11:4) No one had been raised after four days so this would show the power Jesus has, to do ANYTHING needed in our lives. Martha then shortly after Mary said, “Lord, IF ONLY YOU HAD BEEN HERE, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21) Jesus said, “I AM (not I was or I will be) the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if HE DIES and everyone who lives and believes in Me WILL NEVER DIE. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) Jesus was grieved because of UNBELIEF…He was ANGRY at the devil because he brought death into the world!
Isaiah said, “He (Jesus) will swallow up death FOREVER!” (Isa. 25:8) “…there will be NO MORE DEATH or sorrow or crying or pain…” (Rev. 21:4) “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? …thank God! He gives us VICTORY OVER sin and DEATH through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corin. 15:55, 57)
Jesus went to the tomb and said “Lazarus come…“ Of course, OUT HE CAME… Jesus said, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see GOD’S GLORY if you believe?” (John 11:40)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham