{Day 21}: Walking Dead

There’s no way to talk about LIFE without also talking about death.

But most people don’t really want to talk about death. Until it’s upon them, or upon someone they love. And then they want to know, what happens from here?

When Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, Jesus wrestled with Death, and defined Himself, again, as the Life.

Lazarus fell sick, and his sisters sent word to their close friend, Jesus. They knew He held the power to heal Lazarus, and they expected He would do it.

But Jesus responded with a delay. He stayed put for a couple more days, saying this sickness would not end in death. Its purpose was to bring God glory.

Jesus knew things they didn’t know. He knew the ending to this story.

But then Lazarus died.

Jesus arrived at the house, and Lazarus’ sister, Martha, came out to meet Him first. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus responded,

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

Evenso, Jesus was moved, and He wept. His spirit was troubled, which is also translated, angered. Here we see Jesus angry at the tyranny of Death–angry that Death has long ravaged and ruled over mankind. Wrestling with Death, He weeps over the tragic consequences of sin.

Just before He transcends the laws of this world and triumphs over Death.

Jesus orders the stone of the tomb rolled away. He confidently thanks the Father for granting His request. Then He calls Lazarus out of the grave, to life.

Wrapped in strips of linen, Lazarus walked out of the grave just like that, after having been there four days dead.

“Take off the grave clothes.” Jesus called the man to life and then directed his friends to free him completely.

As the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus brings the spiritually dead to life again.