Having a trusted friend close at hand in times of trouble can be a great source of strength and comfort. The very presence of such a friend can be uniquely beneficial, especially when a loved one of ours dies. If our dear friend fails to show up during our time of need without good reason, our emotional distress and sense of loss can be more agonizing. We often feel alone and abandoned, more so if we had asked our friend beforehand to be there at a particular time, and still, they do not show.
This must have been the way Martha felt when Jesus finally showed up after Lazarus had died and she said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died, but even now I know that whatever you ask, God will give you” (Jn 11:21-22). Despite her distress over Jesus not being there at a critical time, Martha does not lose hope. She still trusts that Jesus will help her, and he does. Jesus eagerly reciprocates her faith by raising Lazarus to life. Take away the stone! Come out of the tomb! Untie him and let him go!! This is how Jesus offers hope in the face of death—he embraces life.
Hope and trust are the whole point of the story about raising Lazarus from the dead. With this miracle, Jesus underscores the whole purpose of his mission. Jesus came that we may have life to the full (Jn 10:10). Jesus is the source of all life, and he offers eternal life to those who believe in him and follow his way of love. This is the hope that Jesus offers Martha as a comfort in her sorrow. This is the same hope that he offers all of us.
In raising Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates his power over life and death, both in a physical and a spiritual sense. Therefore, not only can he make good on his own claim to rise from the dead. Jesus shows that he can make good on his promise of eternal life to those who believe in him and trust in his ways (Ps 37:3-4; Jer 17:7-8). Against the hopelessness and sadness of death, Jesus reveals the hope that he alone embodies. I am the resurrection and the Life, says Jesus; he who believes in me shall live, even if he dies (Jn 11:25).
An interesting detail in this story is the very human emotions that Jesus displays upon his arrival. Jesus grieves with Mary and Martha over the loss of their brother, for he too loves Lazarus. The language used in the story conveys the depth of Jesus’ feelings: he is “...deeply moved in spirit and was troubled” (v33). He weeps (v35). Jesus is not only sorrowful. He is also perturbed over the tragedy and harsh reality of death itself (v38). Thus, with his own tears and emotions, Jesus shows that he is our brother. He knows and understands our suffering and sorrow, especially over the death of our loved ones.
For these reasons, the raising of Lazarus is a powerful story about faith, hope, trust and love. It is also a story about fear and rejection. The story reflects two different reactions to the event. Some of those who witness the raising of Lazarus embrace Jesus in faith. The disciples even had their faith strengthened by the event. Others, however, react with fear and rejection.
The chief priests and the Pharisees were among those who became very afraid of Jesus when they learned what he had done. Their fear was so great that they immediately began their plot to murder Jesus a few days later. For all we know, their plans may very well have included a plot to murder Lazarus as well, to erase the influence and appeal of the miracle. In any case, the story reveals that having hope and trust in Jesus can be risky business, as much today as it was back in his day. Nevertheless, Jesus calls us to follow him and live in the Spirit of God with the same three commands that he gave at the tomb of Lazarus.
First, Jesus commands all those present to “Take away the stone” (v 39-41). Imagine that we are the tomb, with hearts and minds closed to what God wants. Jesus urges us to take away the stone that blocks his entry into our hearts. He implores us to remove the stone that blocks our faith and trust in God. God wants to put His spirit in us and turn our stony hearts into natural hearts for love, but only if we allow it. The Psalmist highlights our freedom in that regard when he says, “if today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Ps 95:7-8). In all humility, Jesus begs us to make room for him in our hearts without delay.
The second command Jesus gives to the dead man himself: “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus does just that and gropes his way out of the tomb. He stumbles because he cannot see. He is all wrapped up in burial linens. At times, we too cannot hear God calling us, or we hear but do not listen because we are tightly wrapped up in our own wishes and desires. But this is no excuse. We have a choice in that respect. This freedom is what motivates Paul’s advice to the Ephesians—learn what is pleasing to God (Eph 5:10). Isaiah too declares that we can learn to do good and seek justice (Is 1:17). Thus, if we ask, Jesus will help us loosen the bonds of selfishness and structure our lives with the values of God.
The third command Jesus gives directly to the community: “Untie him and let him go.” Lazarus needs the community to set him free. Some of our friends and loved ones are in the tomb of hopelessness and despair. Some are in the bondage of oppression and injustice. Some are wrapped tight in prejudice and criticism. Like Lazarus, they need our help to be set free—those who struggle with finances or family problems, or those who suffer with sickness or addiction, or those who are separated or alienated from friends and loved ones. Even if they do not ask, our love and forgiveness can help free them and bring them back to life in Christ. This is true even when all we have to give is heartfelt prayer.
Jesus wants the Lazarus miracle to happen again. Each time we take away the stone that stands between us and our companions in Christ—each time we step out of the tomb of isolation and help others—each time we break the chains of fear and reach out with love and forgiveness—we help Jesus bring others to life again. This is risky business for sure. Some may ridicule our offer and reject our help. We may lose more in the effort than we expect. We may even fail to achieve the desired result.
We are not without hope, however, for we know that God is the everlasting health of those who believe in Him. “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rm 8:28). Thus, with all confidence, we implore His aid to restore us to bodily and spiritual health. We give thanks for His love through Christ, for, with the Lord, there is mercy and fullness of redemption. There is eternal life. We can place our hope and trust in Jesus without fear, for he is our light and our salvation (Ps 27:1).
