Lazarus: Jesus Loved Him

Over the past few months, our church's youth group has been studying the book of John. Recently, as we wrap up the school year, we have been going through the story of Lazarus.

It's a fascinating story, showing us so much of the human condition; even more, it shows us the heart of Jesus.

There are too many application points for just one blog post, or even several. But, there are a few I want to hone in on in this short series on Lazarus. And the first one is that Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters.

"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." - John 11:5

For some reason, this verse had never really hit me in the past. Knowing the events of the story, when you come to this verse, it can be easy to see it as a bit of a contradiction. Not that it is, mind you. But our human perception can cloud it, as I'm sure it did for the disciples and Lazarus' sisters.

Love is kind, and from where we sit, letting someone die doesn't seem so kind. But that's because we're humans, and we really don't have the power and control we think we do; we don't know the big picture, either. Ultimately, we're not God.

Jesus is God, however, and had a greater purpose in mind here.

That's hard for us to accept, though: that Jesus' love for us is sometimes expressed through difficulties.

Maybe that's why so much of the Bible talks about trials. James tells us to consider them all joy (James 1:2), Paul tells us in Romans 5:3-5 that tribulation brings about perseverance, character, and hope, and the author of Hebrews tells us to look at the examples of heroes of the faith who have gone before us, and most importantly, Jesus, who, despite seeing the cross, willingly endured it for something greater (Hebrews 12:1-2).

In other words, sometimes the hard things come, and it is because Jesus loves us that they do. I admit, my fingers have a hard time typing this out, even though I know it is true.

I guess it's that Jesus loves us more than our immediate comfort and situation. He loves us enough that He is more concerned with our outcome and with our destination, more with our character, and more about the greater plan of His glory, His kingdom, and the good of His people.

Take Joseph, for example. I've spoken about him before, but he is such a pivotal character in Genesis, and his story is so impactful for us.

Yes, God could have protected Joseph from all of the wrongs done to him in his life. But what would have happened to his faith? Would he have trusted God in the end the way he did? What would have happened to his brothers? Would they have ever taken a look in the mirror at their own character, the way the situation caused them to? What would have happened to the world during the famine? Most importantly, what would have happened to the rest of the history of the Jews, leading up ultimately to the birth of Christ?

God had a bigger plan in mind than Joseph's current plight, though it was incredibly difficult.

This points to the last application I want to make here: Jesus still cares for us no matter what.

Paul is clear in Romans 8 that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ, including distress (Romans 8:35).

God said in Hebrews 13:5: "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you."

Even in light of trouble, God is there.

I also want to mention that I am curious how Lazarus felt coming back. I've heard many say that he would have been sad. Leaving the presence of God to come back to this earth wouldn't be the most pleasant experience. Yet, he got to take part in one of Jesus' great miracles. He got to experience paradise, which would give him that undeniable proof of what he could expect when he died again. I imagine that would take some of the burden off of him. He got to be with his sisters once more, etc.

So, I don't know about you, but this is a hard lesson. But I know that it is part of God's word. He has given promises of His presence, help, love, a future hope, as well as the knowledge that it is all for our good and for His glory. That includes both the good and the bad times in life.