Love is stronger than death.

Death is real. It separates loved ones. 

Jesus loved Lazarus so much that he let him die. 

Death is real, but death is limited in duration. The life Jesus gives is not. 

“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it,” (John 1:4, 5).

Worldviews collide when we discuss life, death, and resurrection. Jesus told Martha, “Your brother will rise again,” (verse 23). She began her sentence with two words we often speak in utmost sincerity and yet without the utmost truthful understanding. She said, “I know.” 

Most of what we know, we know in part. We may know most of the facts and truth, yet there is that smidgen where we lack essential clarity. 

“I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day,” (verse 24). 

Martha’s theology was sound. It was orthodox. And yet, as well as she knew Jesus, as much as she esteemed him, it was what she as yet did not know that made all the difference in the world.

Mary fell at Jesus’ feet in tears (verses 32 and 33). Jesus wept (verse 35). Some of the Jews settled for sentiment: “See how he loved him!” (verse 36). 

Others accused him of negligence: “Couldn’t he who opened the blind man’s eyes also have kept this man from dying?” (verse 37). 

Orthodoxy, sentiment, and accusations frequently argue with one another and distract us from ultimate truth. Gratefully, in this instance, Truth that stands the tests of time also showed up.

“I am the resurrection and the life.”

What we are waiting for is not a day, not even the Last Day. 

What we must know to fulfill all knowledge is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He is the source, the presence, the limitless embodiment of life. We are not waiting for That Day. We are waiting for Jesus. 

Jesus approached the village (verses 17-30). Jesus went to the tomb (verse 38). Jesus told them to remove the stone (verse 39). 

Jesus grew up using stone and timber to build one edifice and another. He knew how to work with stone. He also knew the delights of removing stones firmly placed.

Jesus prayed (verses 41, 42). Jesus “shouted with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’” (verse 43). Lazarus came out (verse 44). 

Jesus loved Lazarus enough to let him die. Jesus loved him enough to raise him from the dead. Jesus loves you so much that he wants you to experience his resurrection power as well. 

Jesus is more than a good teacher with healing in his hands. He is the giver of life that endures forever.

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I will entrust all that I am to Jesus, the giver of eternal life.

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