What do you think about when you hear the term resurrection?
Undoubtedly for most Christians, and most people in western civilization for that matter, Jesus’ resurrection after three days in the tomb is the first thing that comes to mind. Rightfully so, as His victory over death is a central part of our salvation and His demonstration of deity.
However, His resurrection opened the floodgates for people to understand that other resurrections were possible. A great debate of the first century was between parties who either believed in or doubted a future resurrection from the dead. Passages like Isaiah 26:19, Psalm 49:15, and others promised a day when the faithful would be restored in a new, bodily form.
Although the major thrust of Jesus’ miraculous resurrection of Lazarus was for the purpose of authenticating His gospel message, it is impossible to segregate it from all the other connected issues.
When Jesus says “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die” (11:25-26), He is claiming that He has sovereign power over death and life. What He will ultimately display through the cross and empty tomb He explains and displays in part through Lazarus.
The glory of union with God in a resurrected state is realized in Christ. Even before the last day and even prior to His own resurrection, Jesus shows His followers that He possesses the hope that so many were longing for.
At the same time that He is speaking life into decayed flesh, He is being truly compassionate.
Even though He knew the purpose and outcome of Lazarus’ death (4, 11, 15, etc.), He was still “deeply moved” (33, 38) to the point of weeping (35). He loved Lazarus, He loved His disciples, and He showed it enough that others took notice.
That emotional response tethers the God-Man to His creation in a way that is wholly unique. God’s word demands that we grasp both His divine resurrection power and His gracious lovingkindness fully and equally. He is powerful and His power works through His love. He is kind and His kindness is manifest in His rule.
