Tag: Lazarus
The Truth of Jesus Alive
Scripture reading for May 2: John 20
“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness for any, it is withheld.”” John 20:19-23
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is foundational to our world view as believers. If Jesus did not raise from the dead, we have no hope of resurrection ourselves. (1 Corinthians 15:14) But in fact, Jesus did raise and God’s Word is recorded for us as truth about this fact. Jesus had proclaimed many times that He would be raised from the dead on the third day. He had raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44) after four days as a demonstration that He was the “Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25). After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples many times and invited them to touch Him and His wounds. He ate with them and instructed them further concerning their mission.
Jesus spoke peace over the disciples’ troubled hearts as they had been in fear for their lives. He repeated His call on their lives, sending them to a lost world to proclaim the Gospel and call all to repentance. He breathed on them a spiritual anointing of the Holy Spirit and gave them authority to proclaim forgiveness of sins or to withhold forgiveness for the unrepentant. They would share His mission and have His anointing to accomplish His world-wide vision to reach all mankind. Their witness is the reason we are still proclaiming Jesus as raised from the dead and King of kings!
If you doubt, have you humbly asked Jesus to have proof that He is alive from the dead? Have you examined the eye-witness reports of those who saw Jesus alive following the crucifixion? Are you going to the world you live in with the message that Jesus is alive?
Prayer: Father God, I rejoice in the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ! Thank You for the Word that proclaims this truth through the prophesies of Scripture and the eye-witnesses. Thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit to confirm to me personally that Jesus is alive and that I belong to Your family! Amen.
The great reversal
Scripture reading for March 25: Luke 16
“”There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.”” Luke 10:19-24
The Jews (and modern day people) tended to judge people by their positions and success. If someone was rich and well cared for, they must have God’s favor. Conversely, those that are poor and sick must be under God’s judgment. Jesus, wanting to set their world view in line with the truth, told this parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Both died but where they ended up was shocking to those hearing the story. The sick beggar was taken to Abraham’s side and found comfort and peace awaiting the reward of the righteous. The rich man found himself in Hades in great torment!
Jesus went on to explain that the two departed souls could observe one another in their respective abodes. The rich man, who had ignored the needs of Lazarus on earth called out to ‘Father Abraham’ as a good religious Jew. He simply asked to have Lazarus come and just dip his finger in water to cool his tormented tongue. Father Abraham explained why this great reversal had occurred and how there was now no way to change or help his torment. The rich man had not had mercy on Lazarus and now would reap what he had sowed. God had made it so that part of the torment was to see and understand but not be able to change the final outcome. The rich man pleaded with Father Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers who were also headed for the place of torment. (Luke 16:27-29)
How does Jesus’ parable cause you to evaluate your own life and attitudes towards the poor and needy God places in your path? Have you ever ignored those in need? How concerned are you with those of your family or friends that are in need of a Gospel message?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for ignoring those around me that have great needs. Help me to be attentive each day to pray and obey as You send me to share Your life-giving Gospel and rescue the lost from eternal torment. Thank You for sending those to warn me and share the saving Gospel. Amen.
Dead man walking!
Scripture reading for November 3rd: John 9-12
My son Marshal and I visited Bethany as a part of a study class that spent three weeks in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. At Bethany one morning, we visited a place that might have been the tomb that Lazarus was laid in. We went down a narrow passageway carved out of the rock and entered the musty cave where there were some niches carved in the wall as places to lay the bodies. The tomb was illuminated by an electric light. After reading the Scriptures, I left first, took my camera and called out, “Marshal, come out!” I got a great picture and a real visual of what those with Jesus witnessed that day when Lazarus came out!
Jesus often stayed at Lazarus’ home in Bethany, less than two miles from the Temple in Jerusalem. (John 11:18) Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, who also loved Jesus. They had sent word to Jesus that their brother was deathly sick, but Jesus purposely delayed coming. (John 11:3-6) When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was already dead and entombed for four days. Martha came to meet Jesus and told Him that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. She also made another key statement, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:22) Martha had faith in Jesus and His prayers!
Jesus gave her a Word of knowledge: “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23) Martha’s understanding of the resurrection had come from studying the Old Testament Scriptures. (Possibly Daniel 12:1-3, 13) Jesus spoke again to her prophetically, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) This time Martha confessed that she believed that Jesus was the Christ, Son of God!
Jesus went to the tomb and wept! (John 11:35) What compassion Jesus showed for this man that He loved! Jesus was deeply moved a second time and ordered the stone taken away. After thanking His Father, Jesus called, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came out, grave clothes and all! The dead man walked back into life!
Unusual wake-up call!
Scripture reading for May 20th: John 11:1-53
Death is something that we will all face, unless the Lord returns before we go through that experience. Death has swallowed nearly 100 percent of all human beings. The Bible records two in the Old Testament that did not see death: Enoch and Elijah. Several were raised from the dead in both the Old Testament and New Testament. One of the most notable is found in today’s reading in John Chapter 11: Lazarus!
Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus often stayed at their house in Bethany, just a short walk from Jerusalem. Lazarus became sick and the family sent for Jesus to come. Jesus purposely waited two days before traveling to see him. Jesus had escaped stoning in that area right before this and the disciples were concerned about returning. Jesus told them that Lazarus had fallen asleep and that He was going to wake him up. The disciples did not understand that Lazarus had died so Jesus told them plainly. He would raise him up so that they would believe! (John 11:11-14)
When Jesus and the disciples arrived in Bethany, they found that Lazarus had been dead for four days. Mary and Martha and the community were grieving. Both Mary and Martha told Jesus that they knew that if He had been there, their brother would not have died. Jesus saw their grief and was deeply moved with compassion and troubled in His spirit. (John 11:33) Jesus began to weep Himself. Comments were made by many of the mourners concerning Jesus’ show of emotion. “See how He loved him!” and “Could not He who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”(John 11:36-37)
As Jesus, deeply moved, came to the tomb, He commanded the stone be taken away from the entrance. Martha was concerned that there would be a bad odor from the decaying body. Jesus spoke: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40) Jesus thanked the Father for hearing His petition, and then called out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43) Lazarus appeared, wrapped in grave clothes and strips of linen! What a sight to behold and what joy for those grieving! Jesus held power over death and still does! Be sure your name is in the Book of Life for a “wake-up” call!
“Lazarus, come out!”
Scripture reading for November 1st: John 9-12
My son Marshal and I visited Bethany as a part of our Bible history and geography study trip. At Bethany, we visited a place that was a probably similar to the tomb that Lazarus was laid in. Marshal and I went down a narrow passageway carved out of the rock and entered the musty cave where there were some niches carved in the wall as places to lay the bodies. The tomb was illuminated by an electric light. After reading the Scriptures, I left first and took my camera and called out, “Marshal, come out!” I got a great picture and a real visual of what that might have looked like to those gathered around that tomb with Jesus!
Jesus often stayed at Lazarus’ home in Bethany, less than two miles from the temple in Jerusalem. (John 11:18) Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, who also loved Jesus and their brother. They had sent word to Jesus that their brother was deathly sick, but Jesus purposely delayed coming. (John 11:3-6) When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was already dead and entombed for four days. Martha came to meet Jesus and told Him that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. She also made another key statement, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:22)
Jesus gave her a Word of knowledge: “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23) Martha’s understanding of the resurrection had come from studying the Old Testament Scriptures. (Possibly Daniel 12:1-3, 13) Jesus spoke again to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) This time Martha confessed that she believed that Jesus was the Christ, Son of God!
Jesus went to the tomb and as He stood there, He wept! (John 11:35) The Author of Life was weeping over Lazarus swallowed by the grave and death! He was the “resurrection and life” and was about to demonstrate the power of faith. Jesus was deeply moved a second time and ordered the stone taken away. Martha protested, but Jesus reassured her faith! He is the Author and Finisher of our faith and helps us when our faith falters! (John 11:40) Jesus spoke, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came out, grave clothes and all!
Lazarus’ wake up call!
Scripture reading for May 20th: John 11:1-53
Death is something that we will all face, unless the Lord returns before we go through that experience. Death has swallowed nearly 100 percent of all human beings. The Bible records two in the Old Testament that did not see death: Enoch and Elijah. Several were raised from the dead in both the Old Testament and New Testament. One of the most notable is found in today’s reading in John Chapter 11: Lazarus!
Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus often stayed at their house in Bethany, just a short walk from Jerusalem. Lazarus became sick and the family sent for Jesus to come. Jesus purposely waited two days before traveling to see him. Jesus had escaped stoning in that area right before this and the disciples were concerned about returning. Jesus told them that Lazarus had fallen asleep and that He was going to wake him up. The disciples did not understand that Lazarus had died so Jesus told them plainly. He would raise him up so that they would believe! (John 11:11-14)
When Jesus and the disciples arrived in Bethany, they found that Lazarus had been dead for four days. Mary and Martha and the community were grieving. Both Mary and Martha told Jesus that they knew that if He had been there, their brother would not have died. Jesus saw their grief and was deeply moved with compassion and troubled in His spirit. (John 11:33) Jesus began to weep Himself. Comments were made by many of the mourners concerning Jesus’ show of emotion. “See how He loved him!” and “Could not He who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” (John 11:36-37)
As Jesus, deeply moved, came to the tomb, He commanded the stone be taken away from the entrance. Martha was concerned that there would be a bad odor from the decaying body. Jesus spoke: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40) Jesus thanked the Father for hearing His petition, and then called out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43) Lazarus appeared, wrapped in grave clothes and strips of linen! What a sight to behold and what joy for those grieving! Jesus held power over death and still does! Be sure your name is in the Book of Life for a “wake-up” call!
“Lazarus, Come Out!”
Scripture reading for November 3rd: John 9-12
My son Marshal and I visited Bethany as a part of our Bible history and geography study class that spent three weeks in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. At Bethany one morning, we visited a place that was a probably like the tomb that Lazarus was laid in. Marshal and I went down a narrow passageway carved out of the rock and entered the musty cave where there were some niches carved in the wall as places to lay the bodies. The tomb was illuminated by an electric light. After reading the Scriptures about this incident, I turned to leave first and right after I got out, I took my camera and called out, “Marshal, come out!” I got a great picture and a real visual of what that might have looked like to those gathered around that tomb with Jesus!
Jesus often stayed at Lazarus’ home in Bethany, less than two miles from the Temple in Jerusalem. (John 11:18) Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, who also loved Jesus and loved their brother. They had sent word to Jesus that their brother was deathly sick, but Jesus purposely delayed coming. (John 11:3-6) When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was already dead and entombed for four days. Martha came to meet Jesus and told Him that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. She also made another key statement, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:22) Martha had faith in Jesus and His prayers!
Jesus gave her a Word of knowledge: “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23) Martha’s understanding of the resurrection had come from studying the Old Testament Scriptures. (Possibly Daniel 12:1-3, 13) Jesus spoke again to her prophetically, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) This time Martha confessed that she believed that Jesus was the Christ, Son of God! Faith comes by hearing the voice of Jesus Christ!
Jesus went to the tomb and as He stood there, He wept! (John 11:35) What compassion Jesus showed for this man that He loved! The Author of Life was weeping over Lazarus swallowed by the grave and death! He was the “resurrection and life” and was about to demonstrate the power of faith. Jesus was deeply moved a second time and ordered the stone taken away from the mouth of the tomb. Martha protested, but Jesus reassured her faith! He is the Author and Finisher of our faith and helps us when our faith falters! (John 11:40) After thanking His Father that He always heard Him, Jesus spoke, “Lazarus, come out!” Sure enough, Lazarus came out, grave clothes and all!
Wow! What a loving and compassionate Savior! We are encouraged to simply believe that whatever Jesus said or says will be heard by the Father! He is alive and praying for us now! Why not ask Him for what He has promised? Listen closely; His sheep hear His voice!