These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
John 11:11-16
One of the most amazing things we can get a glimpse of regarding the power of God is Jesus’ power over death. For Jesus, raising someone from the dead is no more difficult for Him than if we woke someone from sleep. He truly is the resurrection and the life!
In this scene, once again the disciples misunderstand Jesus. They thought Lazarus was simply asleep, so Jesus tells them he is dead. But they, and in particular Thomas, forgot what Jesus just said. Jesus had just told them they He was going to wake Lazarus up. Jesus told them He was going to resurrect His friend!
Jesus also tells them that it is a good thing that they waited until Lazarus was dead. That way the disciples could all clearly see that Jesus had power over the grave proving He is the Son of God!
Yet even after this, Thomas doubted.
Jesus did hide the fact from the disciples that He was going to be killed in Jerusalem. But He also taught that He would not stay dead! That is the part that they seemed to always forget. The resurrection of Lazarus was another event to assure them that Jesus had the power of life and that His death on the cross was not going to be the end of the story!
But let’s be honest with ourselves. We all doubt. We all have times of fear and faithlessness. But we should not stay in that condition. God did not intend for us to live that way continually.
So what’s the answer?
Read again and remember the promises of God.
Jesus said that He would resurrect Lazarus, and He did!
Jesus said that He was going to raise from the dead three days later. From the disciples perspective they had enough evidence that they could trust what Jesus said, and should not have doubted.
The truth is, we have even more evidence that Jesus is trustworthy. He did raise from the dead! He has also promised that He will never forsake us and that we will be with Him in glory!
Therefore, when hard times come and doubts arise, read once again what Jesus said. Don’t just believe in Jesus, believe Jesus! His words are true.
Lowrance Ministries 