The situation described in the passage in this section has puzzled many commentators. If this was so, then how puzzled they must have been when, two days later, Jesus informed them that He must now go to Bethany to raise Lazarus from death-a statement which appears to contradict His earlier response. When Jesus delayed setting out for Bethany, the disciples probably concluded that Jesus did not consider that Lazarus’ illness was serious enough to run the risk of imperiling their own lives. The disciples were well aware of the dangers that awaited them if they went near Jerusalem at this time Thomas even expected that they might be killed (v. When Jesus received the news of Lazarus’ illness, He appeared to imply that it was not serious and would not cause death (v. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses… Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16, NIV) A puzzling response Ask God right now to help you to see all your trials and difficulties from His point of view. How different our days would be if we could see every emergency or crisis from God’s point of view! What we regard as a block, God sees as a blessing what we view as a setback, God sees as a springboard. Jesus evidently saw this situation-and, for that matter, every other crisis situation-not so much as an obstacle but as an opportunity.

Jesus is saying that what has happened to Lazarus has been allowed by His Father so that the Son might have an opportunity to demonstrate His power to raise the dead. This statement introduces us to one of the great mysteries of the universe: the sovereignty of God. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (v. When Jesus receives the news of His friend Lazarus’ sickness, He responds by stating: “This sickness will not end in death. “This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.’” (Matthew 8:17, NIV) God’s glory declared Take hold of the fact that He loves you-yes, really-and desires to do you good. Matthew Henry, the famous Bible commentator, says: “It is no new thing for those whom Christ loves to be sick.” If you are sick at this moment, don’t view it as a sign of God’s punishment or disapproval. What the sickness was we do not know, but it was serious enough to cause his death. The first reference to him we have in Scripture is when he falls seriously ill, causing his sisters such anxiety that they send a message to Jesus to come and heal him. Early Christian tradition believed that Lazarus was a fairly rich man, a belief somewhat reinforced by the fact that his sister, Mary, anointed Jesus with an expensive ointment. There is no record of any statement he made. Little else is known about Lazarus-neither his occupation, his age, nor his parentage. We know that from the statement: “Lord, the one you love is sick” (v. John 11:1-3 (click the link to read the passages) Lazarus: 'Without help' A sickness contracted

Bible story lazarus