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“Signs Done Well - VIII”
We have come to the seventh sign of Jesus in the gospel of John. I hesitate to call it “the last sign,” because certainly there are others that could be included, most importantly the cross of Christ and the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Traditionally, though, the seventh sign in John has been considered the raising of Lazarus from the dead, in John chapter 11.
So much has been proclaimed and written about this chapter over the centuries, and for good reason! To bring back a man from the tomb – and having been dead 4 days! – is an unrivaled work of power by the Lord of Life. But the incredible power on display in this chapter is rivaled by the unmatched mercy shown by the man from Nazareth. Jesus wept! Jesus was deeply moved in his spirit! Jesus cared for these people.
Consider all that Jesus absorbed in this chapter: misinformed questions, accusations, warnings of dangers, good people whom he had taught who just do not understand, weeping and wailing of professional mourners as well as genuine loved ones, being accused of playing favorites, the stark fact of death and decay lasting 4 days, and on and on.
Jesus, our Champion, rises above all this, and raises the dead. He will not be distracted, dissuaded, nor discouraged in His purpose. And at the very moment His power is about to be unleashed, he pauses to pray and to give glory to the Father. Who else would, or could, have the presence of mind and Spirit to be so perfect in his actions? Only Jesus. Only the Messiah.
And then those incredible words of power: “LAZARUS, COME OUT!!” And then the immediate obedience of the resurrected one.
But, “Do not marvel at this for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29).
What a sign! What a Savior!
