John 11:32-44, John 12:1, John 12:10, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:13, Acts 4:12,1 Peter 1:18-19

Summary: Jesus’ act of raising Lazarus from the dead is one of the most thrilling and wondrous passages in Scripture. It showed His undeniable authority over the last enemy of humanity and was a public display of His power.

The ultimate state of helplessness is death. Once it overpowers you, regardless of age, status, education, health, or situation, you are in no state either to conquer its grip upon you, nor do you have any control over anything that you had considered valuable or precious; for none of it can go with you to the cemetery or your cremation urn. This fearful specter, the fruit of our rebellion toward God thousands of years ago, patiently waits for everyone. The question is whether you are ready for its inevitable knock at the door and the eternal destination that awaits you (Luke 12:13-21, 16:19-31; John 5:28-29; Hebrews 9:27).

The Scriptures make it clear that you will not be the main ingredient for future crops of daisies nor a feast for worms, becoming a forgotten mass of bone, flesh, and corruption. We are the products of God’s creative love and have a purpose for being in this world, and He did not form us within our mother’s womb just to end up as a conglomeration of randomness and a roll of some cosmic pair of dice (Psalm 139:14-16).

The Lord Jesus did not declare before Martha and Mary that He was the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26) in order to give them a sense of false comfort and hope. What He will show in John 11 is that the last enemy of humanity, death itself, has nothing over the Sovereignty and power of Almighty God, who gives life, breath, and meaning to every person who walks the earth.

John 11 presents not only the miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus, but it also is a living proof text of the claims that Jesus has made throughout the Gospels, telling His listeners that He has the power of life and is the conqueror of death.

He began His ministry by driving out the money changers in the Temple. The religious officials demanded to know why He had done so. He then gave them the illustration of tearing down the Temple that was His body and raising it up again (Mark 14:58; John 2:19-22). He also declared His authority in that He would raise everyone from the dead at the appointed time (John 6:10).

He had shown this power when He raised both the daughter of Jairus (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56) and the son of the widow of Nain from the dead (Luke 7:11-17). There are always skeptics, however, who will read these passages of Scripture and dismiss them as nothing more than a case of resuscitation or merely part of the continuation of the Jesus “myth” that the authors of the Gospels added to give credence to their teachings that Jesus was God Incarnate. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4). Let us examine the situation that Jesus faced that day when He stood before the grave of His friend.

First, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. The disciples of Jesus were all there to verify it along with the other events in Jesus’ ministry. The authors of Scripture, inspired by the Spirit of God, were bound by the truth of what they all knew, saw, and confirmed (Acts 17:11; Galatians 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:19-21). The Law of Moses, which had been taught to them as children and what was read each Sabbath in the synagogues, stated that no one could be convicted of a crime without the testimony of two or more witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6). Jesus taught that two or more witnesses were to go to erring brethren within the church for correction (Matthew 18:15).

Jesus’ own resurrection was verified by a number of witnesses, up to five hundred brethren at one time, and the apostle Paul encouraged the members of the church at Corinth to go and talk to the ones who were still alive for confirmation (1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

Luke opens his Gospel by telling Theophilus of the many witnesses he encountered and interviewed in order to have an accurate account (Luke 1:1-4). Peter, in his final days, wrote that he and the other disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ majesty (2 Peter 1:16). What has been written in John is a true and verifiable account.

Second, they also knew when someone was dead and the procedures to take according to the Law (Leviticus 10:6, 21:1, 11, 22:4; Numbers 5:2, 6:6, 9:6, 19:11; Deuteronomy 21:23). While embalming of bodies had been a part of other cultures, such as Egypt (Genesis 50:2, 26), the Jews tended to prepare the body for burial that same day and place it in the respective tomb or cave where the other family members had been laid to rest (Matthew 26:12, 27:59; John 11:44; Acts 9:37). They added a series of spices within the wrappings to keep the body intact and to lessen the stench of decay that would occur quickly in the heat of Judea.

By the time the body was wrapped and placed in the tomb and then sealed, the idea of resuscitation or premature burial was settled. This person was dead, period. Forensic science has shown that after three hours, a corpse enters the state of rigor mortis, where it will stiffen and be inflexible for a time. After a period of 24-72 hours, the inner organs will begin to decompose rapidly, giving off a putrid odor (John 11:39). After a period of three days, this inner organ decay will intensify, and the flesh will have turned a shade of green with decay, and body fluids will seep out. By the time Jesus arrived on the scene, Lazarus’ body was in the stages of literally rotting away.

Jesus wept over Lazarus’ death for the fact that this was a dear friend (v.35) and that He hated what sin and the consequence of death had done to His creation (John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:16-18). This showed that Jesus was both God and man by displaying the emotions that encompass anyone who faced tragedy and sorrow, truly being one of us, never aloof or distant from the trials of life. He then prayed to the Father that He might show those at the tomb that He was truly sent from Him, and then He specifically commands Lazarus to rise and come out of the tomb, his body restored to full health and strength and into the arms of his sisters (vv.43-44).

The wrappings that had held a rotting corpse together were no longer needed, for Lazarus was alive, and this miracle could not be rebuked nor denied as he sat with the Master at the table for dinner (12:1-2). Everyone came to see him and the wondrous work that had been done by the Lord Jesus. Not everyone was celebrating. The chief priests, who had nothing but contempt for Jesus and His ministry, saw Him as a direct threat to their influence and power over the people of Judea. Instead of rejoicing over this obvious display of God’s might and mercy, they began to conspire on how they might KILL both Jesus and Lazarus, “because on account of him, many of the Jews went away, and believed in Jesus” (12:11). What gives here?

The chief priests were victims of “religion,” blind to their rituals, regulations, and traditions, and refused to have their eyes opened to the obvious fact that God Almighty lived among them in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it was a threat to their system.

Their malevolent attitudes also showed that even with someone coming back from the dead, they would not believe in Jesus and place their faith in Him, validating what He had taught in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), and the conclusion where the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers and warn them of the hell that awaited them (16:27-28). Abraham told him that his brothers had access to the same Scriptures that he had while on earth, and it would not matter if Lazarus was to go back and warn them, for they would not believe that it was him (vv.30-31).

Jesus explicitly taught that the Scriptures give us all we need to know about both heaven and hell. We do not need to rely upon outside “testimony” nor the flights of fancy from “salvation sensationalists” who claim to take trips to heaven with the same frequency as some people do when going to the local big box stores to purchase groceries. Scripture presents the certainty of both physical and spiritual death, the eternal destiny of those who either prepare for it or reject it altogether, and the fact that we will all have to give an accounting of our lives before the Lord Jesus at His chosen time, like it or not.

I do not need secondhand information or goofy tales of “heaven” that lack a reverence for God and His holy nature, nor do these imaginary incidents display any sign of humility and the fact that God was merciful to them, sinners in need of a Savior.

In these final days of history, I rely solely on the promises of the Lord Jesus that He gave His life for me while I was His enemy (Romans 5:6-11) and that by His death on the cross and His resurrection, He has conquered death, hell, and the grave. Because He lives, my soul was brought back to life by His saving power and wondrous grace, and I have the assurance of eternal life in Him and a place in heaven, forever free from the sting of death and hell. He said to me, “Come forth!” out of my spiritual grave many years ago.

I pray that you would respond today to His call of salvation (Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:6; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 21:1-7).

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Donald was born and reared in the authentic “Cajun Country” of southern Louisiana. He is a graduate of Louisiana College (B.A. in History Education/ Biblical Studies, 1984), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div. In Christian Education, 1994), and Andersonville Baptist Seminary (Doctor of Ministry, Biblical Exposition, 2000). He has been in the Gospel ministry since 1986, serving as an evangelist, interim and supply pastor, hospital and rescue mission chaplain, high school and college teacher, and pastor in churches in Louisiana and Oklahoma.

In 2018 he began to devote his time to the rich field of internet and social media evangelism and outreach. In 2021 he became a member of the Oklahoma Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists, using his skills as a writer to contribute articles and sermons to websites such as Rapture Ready, Sermon Central, and Inspirational Christian Blogs. He also writes Bible studies and curricula for churches in southeast and central Asia and Africa, the locations of which are anonymous. He can be contacted at: donaldwhitchard@gmail.com for inquiries, information, and speaking/preaching engagements. HIs website is www.realitycityreverend.com. A copy of his resume is also available upon request.

 

 

It would be very safe to say that peace and harmony are not readily available in today’s world. Just over the past year, there has been a steady movement toward “Wars and Rumors of Wars” in various places around the globe (Matthew 24:6-9). Everyone today is concentrating on the Russia and Ukraine war; however, that is not the only place where there is the possibility of imminent conflict. (ESV – all emphasis mine)

Another location that could most likely see a takeover very soon is Taiwan. There have already been increased Chinese aircraft fly-overs, and as happened with Ukraine and Russia, Taiwan is a breath away from being reclaimed as part of Red China.

Another very likely possibility is a major event taking place as Iran gets closer to having a nuclear weapon. They have made no secret that their first target will be Israel. The Israeli government has already commented that they would not tolerate a nuclear Iran, and what action they would take remains to be seen.

Although there has been the rattling of sabers over the past decade or so, major conflicts such as those listed above have not taken place. There was the assumption that the European Union, the U.N., and especially America would put an end to any threats. And then, Afghanistan happened. To be more precise, the Father has set the end of this age’s activities in motion.

Jesus gave His disciples signs in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 of what would be happening in this world at that time. In Luke 21:26, Jesus said, “people fainting with fear, and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” He reassured them in John 16:33; “I have said these things to you that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

He also gave them assurances that are meant for all of us today. Luke 21:28; “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption draws near.” The beginnings, as described, actually started several years ago and have gained in number and frequency. What is true hope for all believers is that all prophecy that has been fulfilled to date has been 100% accurate.

The remaining prophecies are of the “good-news/bad-news” scenarios. Bad news is this world is on the brink of entering a 7-year tribulation period that has never been before. Israel will be attacked by a coalition of Russia, Turkey, and Iran for their resources, but God will be their defender (Ezekiel 38-39).

During that period of wrath, at least 2/3 of the world population will be killed. There will be a satanic antichrist that will take charge, and in the last half of the 7-years, he will be indwelt by Satan himself (Revelation 13).

At the end of this tribulation/wrath, Jesus will come in person to rule from Jerusalem for 1,000 years. Then one final conflict, and then the eternity of Heaven and hell will commence.

The good news? Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, and Romans 10:13 will be fulfilled. “All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This is to fulfill the promise of the Father to keep all of those who received and accepted Jesus from the wrath. That’s 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:10. God does not lie, as given in Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2, and Hebrews 6:18.

As to how this good news pertains to us, all who have truly received and accepted Jesus as Savior that are still alive at the sound of the Trumpet of God, and the shout from the Archangel, will be taken up to meet Jesus in the air to be with Him forever. That’s 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. The best part of that: all who are “Raptured” will be converted into forever, immortal and imperishable bodies, and with the mindset of the Savior.

But, in the meantime, we need to trust in the Lord, as given in Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

There are many hymns about trusting in the Lord and putting all our faith and trust in Him. One such song written by N. B. Vandal (1896 – 1970) and published in 1934 is simply called “After.” The stimulus for this song reportedly came when his son was injured in an automobile accident. Fortunately, the son recovered. Consider the message this Hymnist left for all of us.

1.) After the toil and trouble, there cometh a day of rest. After the weary conflict, peace on the Savior’s breast. After the care and sorrow, the glory of light and love. After the wilderness journey, the Father’s bright Home above.

2.) After the night of darkness, the shadows all flee away. After the day of sadness, hope sheds her brightest ray. After the strife and struggle, the victory is won. After the work is over, the Masters own word, “Well Done.”

3.) After the hours of chastening, the spirit made pure and bright. After the earth’s dark shadow, clear is the Light of Light. After the guiding counsel, communion full and sweet. After the willing service, all laid at the Savior’s feet.

4.) After the pain and sickness, the tears are all wiped away. After the flowers are gathered, no more of earth’s decay. After the deep heart sorrow, an end of even strife. After the daily crosses, a glorious Crown of Life.

There have been changes in the whole world just over the past few years that are indicators this age is on the brink of ending. Now, more than ever, we need to be sharing the “good news – Gospel” to get lost souls to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is active in making sure God’s word does not go out in vain.

Isaiah 55:10-11; “For as the rain and the snow come down from Heaven and do not return there but waters the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Just about everywhere we turn, the evil one has forces that are trying to shut down anything to do with Jesus. His disciples, all true believers, are being called “haters” because we will not participate in the abominations that are abounding. Truth be known, we hate no one — only the sinful actions and attitudes of those who are choosing to follow Satan.

We need to be in prayer daily for all our loved ones, especially those who have not received and accepted Jesus as their Savior (Romans 10:9-13). As faithful prayer warriors, we ask that the Holy Spirit provide something or someone that may influence a lost soul to call out for Salvation. In my daily prayers, I even ask Him to touch the hearts of those who would be my enemy. I do not wish to see anyone in the Great White Throne Judgment and ultimately end up in the lake of fire.

Our eternal Home with Jesus has been personally made by Him for all who will be with Him forever. There is nothing on this earth that could even come close to the glory and majesty of our eternal Home. Yet, so many put all their efforts and resources into the things of this earth that will all pass away.

Jesus will force no one to seek Him but is there 24/7 to receive a call from anyone who does call out. He will turn no one away. The only sin that is unforgivable is to take your last breath here without Jesus. All else can be forgiven and will be in accordance with 1 John 1:8-10. Verse 9 specifically states, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Today would not be too early to call on Him, as tomorrow could just be too late. It’s an eternal decision that can only be made by each individual, and the outcome is totally your choice. Then you will join me in saying:

Come, Lord Jesus!

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