Perspectives: Lazarus

John 11:43-44 (NIV)
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

John 12: 1-3 (NIV)
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.

Finally, we’ll look at John chapter 11 (and a little of John chapter 12) through the eyes of Lazarus. The man around whom this incredible miracle revolves. 

Imagine…you get sick. Your sisters are really worried about you, and you feel awful -but you know they’ve sent for Jesus, so maybe there’s some hope. But then there’s darkness, nothing, death. Next thing you know, you’re walking out of a tomb. Covered in grave clothes! 

I sometimes wonder what this whole experience was like for Lazarus. We don’t hear from him in John chapter 11; we only see what happens to him. I have so many questions. How did he feel? Did he feel compulsion or desire to live his life to the full or differently afterwards? Did he understand why Jesus chose to bring him back? We won’t know how Lazarus felt or what he did next. But in John chapter 12, we see a dinner thrown in Jesus’ honour at Lazarus’ home in Bethany. 

Lazarus experiences a miraculous transformation, and afterwards, with what we assume were a million questions racing around his head…he simply chooses to honour Jesus whenever he sees him, giving thanks to him for his life and spending quality time with him. 

Prayer - Jesus, you’ve raised us from our old lives 'under the law' into an eternal life of freedom following you. I give you all the honour, all the praise and all my thanksgiving. Help me, every day, to spend quality time with you.