A Sick Man

We read nothing about him until the eleventh chapter of John. His name is Lazarus and we are told he’s sick. John 11:1 (KJV) Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. What a way to be introduced, my name is Lazarus and I’m sick. 🤒  

Then later we read about Jesus telling His disciples that Lazarus is dead. John 11:14 (KJV) Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. Then a wonderful thing happens: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. John 11:43 (KJV) And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.  

Then we get to chapter 12 and read. John 12:1 (KJV)Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. I 

2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Looks like things are getting better, is this dinner being prepared for lazarus? No, it’s not,  he is just one of those sitting at the table. Let’s see a show of hands who want to be Lazarus? 🤔 He’s introduced as a sick man, then a dead man, then a raise from the dead man. But now Lazarus is sitting at the same table with his friend Jesus. Life is good. Then we read John 12:9 (KJV) Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. A lot of people come to see Not only Jesus but Lazarus. It looks like Lazarus is getting a little notability but the next verse we read of Lazarus he’s on the wanted dead list. John 12:10 (KJV) But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Why are we told all these things about this man Lazarus?  Let’s ask some questions

Did Jesus love Lazarus? The answer is yes according to John 11:33 and 11:36. Jesus stands at the grave and before He does anything He weeps. Once again showing His love toward Lazarus. May I say that life doesn’t always turn out the way we would like. Some seem to have one bad thing after another happen to them. Three quick things I want to see about Lazarus less you think that poor or Lazarus was just one with bad luck. First, Jesus' love for Lazarus is seen and known just like His love is for each of us. Second, bad things happen to good people. There are those who die way too soon, get sick of a disease that kills them. But just  remember none of this will affect Christ's love for us. Third, none of what was going on with Lazarus affected his fellowship with Jesus. We read of Lazarus eating with Jesus and also not ashamed to be with Jesus or around Him. Then I read this.

1 John 4:17 (KJV) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

If you remember the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death. Just hang in there, the best is yet to come. Aren’t you glad you know Jesus? But better yet Jesus knows you!