John 11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
Sometimes, circumstances occur that appear totally unpredicted or random. Yet, given the perspective of time, we often see how unexpected events are woven into the fabric of life to provide a pattern or design.
Two weeks ago, we began the series of articles on Lazarus’ death. Initially, Jesus explained to His disciples that Lazarus’ sickness had not come for the reason of death but to bring glory to God. (John 11:4) How hard it was for Christ’s followers to fully grasp the implication of His words!
Rather than immediately responding to the family’s plea, Jesus waited until Lazarus was already dead. When Christ did decide to go, the disciples were reluctant due to past hostility in Judea. When Jesus plainly stated that Lazarus was dead, Thomas sarcastically answered, “Well, let’s go and die too!” (John 11:16)
Dealing with people is sometimes like herding cats! Every individual has their own perspective, their own opinion, and their own agenda. The more personalities you add to the mix, the more difficult a resolution becomes.
Arriving at Lazarus’ home, Jesus was confronted by Martha and ridiculed for not coming in time. While He desperately tried to reveal Himself as the embodiment of the Resurrection, the woman just walked away without appreciating the truth He shared. Next, Mary confronted Jesus with the same accusation as her sister, “If you had been here, our brother would not have died.” (John 11:32)
Added to the women’s disdain, the crowd was busy gossiping and speculating. When some of the mourners saw Jesus cry, they said, “He must have loved Lazarus!” But others quickly criticized Him by saying, “If he was such a close friend, why didn’t he come and heal him?” (John 11:36-37)
Again Jesus’ heart broke.
So, why didn’t Christ do something earlier to avoid this entire public fiasco? If He had come when the family asked, Jesus could have avoided so much heartache for everyone, including Himself. Consider His answer to the disciples, “God was going to receive glory!” But do you actually know what that glory was?
When Christ commanded the stone to be removed from Lazarus’ grave, Martha repeatedly objected, “After four days, it’s too late! My brother is stinking!” (John 11:39)
Jesus rebuked the woman, “Martha, didn’t I tell you that if you would believe, you could see God’s glory?” (John 11:40) Then facing the open tomb, Jesus commanded Lazarus to rise.
True to Christ’s word, Lazarus came out of the grave still bound in his burial shroud. So, that’s the glory, right?
No, not yet! Just as Jesus said earlier, “This has NOTHING to do with Lazarus’ death.” God was going to be glorified in another way.
As quickly as Lazarus was resurrected, some people immediately believed; however, others went and informed the temple authorities in Jerusalem. Instantly, the religious leaders began wringing their hands, debating “This man does many miracles! What are we going to do?” (John 11:47-48)
But Caiaphas, the High Priest, already knew the answer, “You don’t understand that it is necessary for one man to die so everyone else can live!” (John 11:49-50) In this short statement, we finally realize that Lazarus’ sickness happened in order for Jesus to die, that God might be glorified by providing salvation through His Son.
By raising His friend from the grave, Jesus forfeited His own life that you and I might live through Him.
Edwin Woolsey’s family has lived in Shannon, Texas, and Howell counties since 1860. He taught 31 years at Missouri public schools and is currently the pastor of a small country congregation at Pilgrim Rest Community Church. Follow him on Twitter at @edwinwoolsey.
