Because of Lazarus, many believed in Jesus. But what, exactly, did Lazarus do?
Because of Lazarus, many believed in Jesus.
John 12:11 says that because of Lazarus, many believed in Jesus.
When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus. – John 12:9-11 (NLT)
I see what Jesus did. He raised Lazarus from the dead.
But what, exactly, did Lazarus do?
- He was a friend to Jesus.
- He was a recipient of Jesus’ love.
- When Jesus called to him “come out,” Lazarus obeyed.
Friend to Jesus, Loved by Jesus
Lazarus was not just a casual friend to Jesus—he was a “dear friend,” says John 11:3 (NLT). In some translations of the message that Lazarus’ sisters sent Jesus (John 11:3), they refer to their brother as “the one you love.”
John agreed. In John 11:5, John clearly stated that Jesus loved Lazarus—and John knew firsthand what Jesus’ love looked like (see John 13:23).
Obeyer of Jesus’ Commandments
Lazarus heard and obeyed a commandment of Jesus:
Then Jesus shouted, “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 11:43-44 (NLT)
Jesus gave that command four days after Lazarus’ death (John 11:17; 11:39).
Because of Lazarus
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem as king, Scripture makes the point that Jesus’ raising of Lazarus was the reason such a large crowd hailed Jesus as King of Israel:
“Many had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb… and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign.” – John 12:17-18 (NLT)
A Friend of Jesus Obeys His Commands
Jesus makes a clear connection between love for him and obedience to his commands: John 14:15, John 14:21, John 14:23.
In the account of Lazarus, I notice just how little one may be able to see—at the time—of the full picture Jesus is creating with a single command. And in the same account, I see how great a harvest can come from obeying one word from Jesus to one he loves.
What’s Growing Out of Your Friendship with God?
Something pretty unexpected grew out of Lazarus’ friendship with Jesus. That was a garden that Jesus and Lazarus tended together, and that had a great harvest.
Jesus began it with love, and Lazarus returned his love, along with obedience.
May you and I, also. And may we see a great harvest.
This post originally appeared in the August 2024 email newsletter. You’re invited to subscribe free at amylu-riley.com/subscribe.
All text content copyright © 2024 by AmyLu Riley. Author photo copyright © 2024 by AmyLu Riley. Two red zinnias photo copyright © 2024 by AmyLu Riley.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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