John included seven attesting miracles – 7 signs – that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; so that readers of his gospel would believe in Jesus and believing, would have eternal life!
There is a good reason the old saying goes as it does: Hindsight is 20/20. And of course, the reason is because the saying is true!
The path you already have walked is clearly visible. You can turn around and see it. But one’s future path – those are the steps which must be made into the darkness and the unknown.
But the past…the past is clear; and even may begin to make sense as one observes the course that one has traveled. I feel somewhat that way as I finish writing about the seven attesting signs in John’s Gospel. Looking back I see clearly the purposes of John when choosing events in Jesus’ life to include. Remember his purpose for writing this gospel:
But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31)
John is stating his case: Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Christ! Certainly the seventh attesting miracle does this.
Consider this: If Jesus can do nothing about death, then whatever else He can do amounts to nothing.
Paul wrote: “If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.” (1 Corinthians 15:19). But Jesus did defeat death – for Himself and for others; as John shows in this last attesting miracle.
The Sisters’ Plea
So the sisters sent a message to Him: “Lord, the one You love is sick.” (John 11:3)
Their plea is the perfect guide for us; particularly when we find ourselves in the midst of difficulties. First, they sent for Jesus. Second, they informed Him of the need. And third, they reminded Him of His great love. We should do the same.
The Disciple were Perplexed
Probably, several things perplexed them as this event unfolded. First, why did Jesus allow Lazarus to become sick? He had healed others; even from a distance. Why would He not heal His good friend? Second, why would Jesus delay going to him? The Bible makes clear that Jesus actually waited two days before leaving for Bethany. If Jesus loved Lazarus so much, why was He behaving this way?
Even when Jesus explains why He must go to Judea, the disciples still show that they do not understand. Verse 14 is almost humorous: So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died.” He had to spell it out; He had to tell them plainly.
How could they have walked with Jesus for so long, and yet have understood so little of his ways and purposes? Perhaps we should ask ourselves the same question.
Jesus had a Plan
Personally, I get a lot of comfort from the fact that Jesus was never surprised, nor caught off guard, by any occurrence in His life. It gives me an assurance that He is prepared to handle my life and problems.
When Jesus first heard the sisters’ plea through the messenger, He spoke the two purposes of this whole event. In other words, He knew the end at the beginning. He knew the reason before they made their request. He even spoke the purposes to the disciples immediately upon hearing of Lazarus’ sickness:
“This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)
Two reasons: (1) for God’s glory; and (2) for the Son to be glorified through it.
The disciples were correct. Jesus could have prevented this sickness coming upon Lazarus. He could have stopped the sickness when told about it. He could have made sure Lazarus did not die. But Jesus chose not to do any of these. He saw what the disciples did not see: an opportunity to bring honor and glory to God.
Warren Wiersbe wrote: It is not important that we Christians are comfortable, but it is important that we glorify God in all that we do.1
Is it possible that some of the issues and problems in your life – or that may yet come into it – are there so that God may work in such a way as to meet your needs and bring honor and glory to His Name? If this passage is true, then yes; it’s absolutely possible, and often likely!
My/your problem is God’s opportunity!
1 Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 1 (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1989), pg. 334.
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