Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus. At one point in his life, he was struck down by a terrible sickness, which ended with his death. As was the custom of the day, he was bandaged head to foot and buried in a tomb hewn out of rock. Lazarus’ body was carefully placed inside – shut out from the land of the living.
That’s where Jesus finds them – when everything seems hopeless – the weight of decay and brokenness of the world pressing in. Lazarus’ friends and family utterly distraught.
Jesus wept.
Jesus is deeply moved, but his tears are more than mere tears of grief. In those moments, confronted with the pain and sorrow as death tears apart those he loves, people he created, Jesus is filled with compassion – He has eternity in view. His insides churn as He sees the grip that death has on humankind, and he is determined to gain the victory over it.
A short time later, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the grave, and life returns to his friend’s body. Not only is Jesus Lord of creation, but he wields the power of resurrection from death to life.
Soon, Jesus would set his face to Jerusalem and go willingly to his own death. He took the curse of sin upon himself and broke its power once for all. Early in the morning on the third day, Jesus was spectacularly resurrected to new life. He conquered death and offers a sure hope for eternity.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
