Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead?

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is one of the most powerful and significant miracles recorded in the New Testament. It is found in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 11:1-44. This miracle is not just an isolated event but is rich with theological significance, demonstrating Jesus' divine authority, His compassion, and the foreshadowing of His own resurrection. To understand why Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, we must delve into the context, the purpose, and the lessons that this miracle imparts.

Firstly, the context of the miracle is crucial. Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, were close friends of Jesus. They lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. When Lazarus fell seriously ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus, hoping He would come and heal him. However, Jesus did something unexpected. Instead of rushing to Lazarus' side, He stayed where He was for two more days. This delay was intentional and serves a greater purpose. Jesus knew that Lazarus' illness would lead to death, but He also knew that this would be an opportunity to reveal God's glory and His own identity as the Son of God.

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead and in the tomb for four days. This detail is significant because, in Jewish belief, the soul was thought to linger around the body for three days after death, hoping to re-enter it. By waiting until the fourth day, Jesus ensured that there would be no doubt about the reality of Lazarus' death and the miraculous nature of his resurrection.

Jesus' conversation with Martha before the miracle is also revealing. When Martha expressed her disappointment that Jesus had not arrived in time to heal her brother, Jesus responded with a profound declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26, NIV). This statement is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing that Jesus is the source of both physical and spiritual life. By raising Lazarus, Jesus was not just performing a miracle; He was making a bold claim about His divine nature and the promise of eternal life through Him.

The emotional aspect of the story also cannot be overlooked. Jesus was deeply moved by the sorrow of Mary, Martha, and the other mourners. John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, simply states, "Jesus wept." This verse is profound because it shows Jesus' empathy and compassion. He shares in the grief of those around Him, demonstrating that He is not a distant or indifferent deity but one who is intimately involved in human suffering. This moment of shared sorrow also sets the stage for the miracle, highlighting the depth of Jesus' love and the hope He brings.

When Jesus arrived at Lazarus' tomb, He prayed to the Father, thanking Him for hearing Him. This prayer was not for Jesus' benefit but for the people standing around, so they might believe that God had sent Him (John 11:41-42). Jesus then called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43, NIV). The dead man emerged from the tomb, still wrapped in burial cloths. This dramatic moment left no room for doubt about Jesus' power over death.

The raising of Lazarus served several key purposes. Firstly, it was a demonstration of Jesus' divine authority. By raising someone who had been dead for four days, Jesus showed that He had power over life and death, affirming His identity as the Son of God. This miracle was a sign pointing to His own resurrection, which would be the ultimate proof of His victory over death.

Secondly, the miracle was a catalyst for faith. Many of the Jews who witnessed the event believed in Jesus (John 11:45). This was especially significant because it took place near Jerusalem, where Jesus' opponents were plotting against Him. The raising of Lazarus was a public and undeniable demonstration of Jesus' divine power, compelling many to believe in Him.

However, the miracle also had a darker consequence. It intensified the opposition from the religious leaders. The chief priests and Pharisees convened a council and decided that Jesus must be stopped, fearing that His growing influence would lead to Roman intervention and the destruction of their nation (John 11:47-53). This decision set in motion the events that would lead to Jesus' crucifixion. In this sense, the raising of Lazarus was a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, precipitating the final confrontation between Him and the religious authorities.

Theologically, the story of Lazarus is a profound illustration of Jesus' mission. He came to bring life in the fullest sense—physical, spiritual, and eternal. By raising Lazarus, Jesus demonstrated that He is the source of life and the conqueror of death. This miracle foreshadows His own resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian hope. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NIV), "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

Furthermore, the story of Lazarus is a powerful reminder of Jesus' compassion and empathy. He is not indifferent to human suffering but shares in our pain and offers hope. As Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."

In summary, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead to reveal His divine authority, to strengthen the faith of His followers, to demonstrate His compassion, and to foreshadow His own resurrection. This miracle is a testament to the power of Jesus over life and death and a profound illustration of His mission to bring eternal life to all who believe in Him. It is a story that continues to inspire and comfort believers, reminding us that in Jesus, we find both the source of life and the hope of resurrection.