“See how He loved him!”

The Jews who were there to mourn with Martha and Mary over the death of their brother Lazarus could see the depth of Jesus’ love for His friend.

“See how He loved him!”

But then why did He wait two days after learning of Lazarus’ illness before going to Bethany?  Mary and Martha sent word, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”  Jesus’ love for Lazarus was evident to them also.

“See how He loved him!”

Jesus said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

John writes, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  So when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days…”

It appears it was because of His love that He stayed, allowing Lazarus to die.  How could allowing a friend to suffer to the point of death be an act of love?  Jesus prized the glory of God, the strengthening of faith and the belief in Christ as Savior above the temporary reprieve from pain and death.

Temporary reprieve?  Lazarus would be raised from the dead, for Jesus said this sickness would “not end in death.”  But it was a temporary reprieve.  After all, Jesus said only that “this sickness” would not end in death.  He did not say Lazarus would be spared of death altogether.

“See how He loved him!”

He loved His disciples, allowing them to experience the glory and power of this resurrection to strengthen there faith and see His power over death before He faces the cross.

He loved Martha and Mary, giving them an opportunity to affirm their belief in Him as Messiah and Lord, even when things weren’t going as they’d hoped.  “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

“See how He loved him!”

“Lazarus, come forth!”  Lazarus became a walking, talking miracle.  His life was given greater purpose.  It was given back to him that he might proclaim the wonders of his Savior.  Many believed in Christ as a result of Lazarus.  Many came to see the walking “dead man” to see if it was true.  The Jews wanted to kill Lazarus to silence the talk about this miracle.  Talk about a powerful testimony!

“See how He loved him!”

I want people to look at my life and say that about Jesus.  I want them to see His love for me in how I treat others.  I want them to see His love for me in how I respond to adversity.  I want them to see His love for me in how I boldly trust Him and walk in faith.

“See how he loved Him!”

“See how He loves ME!”

 

To learn more about Walking As Jesus Walked and Discipling As Jesus Discipled, visit:  SONLIFE.COM