Holy Week 2023- Tuesday

 Holy Week-Tuesday

On Tuesday of Holy Week, our focus shifts to someone who was on the receiving end of one of Christ’s miracles: Lazarus. 

Outside of the disciples, Scripture doesn’t give us access to very many of Christ’s close relationships. But Mary, Martha, and Lazarus seemed to have found a special friendship with the Messiah. 

We aren’t privy to how this relationship began or many of the details of this friendship, but we do know that the shortest verse in the Bible is dedicated to Christ’s feelings for Lazarus: “Jesus wept” John 11:35 ESV

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived in Bethany and Jesus would often stay with them when He was in the area. One day, the sisters send word to Jesus to let Him know that Lazarus is sick. Already from the beginning we see that Lazarus had a special place in Christ’s life because they relay the message to Him by saying: “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” John 11:3 ESV

Jesus, as the Son of God, knows all about Lazarus’ sickness and knows that Lazarus will die, but He waited two days before leaving where He was. All of this is going to bring glory to God and help many to see His true identity. 

When Jesus and the disciples finally arrive in Bethany, it is made known to Jesus that Lazarus had died and had been dead four days. As Jesus arrives at the tomb, He orders that the stone in front of the door be removed. Then, Jesus calls Lazarus forth, “Lazarus, come out.” It’s been said by others before that if Jesus had not called Lazarus by name, all of those in the grave would have come out!

As Lazarus emerges from the tomb, he has been given not only a new lease on life, but an incredible testimony of Jesus as the Messiah. Can you imagine what Lazarus saw and experienced in those four days that he was on vacation from his earthly body? Did he visit with the prophets in glory? Was he able to meet Moses, Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac? Did he walk the streets of gold? Did he worship at the throne of God? We’re not told about what had happened to him, but it’s obvious that he discovered Christ’s identity as the Son of God and decided to share that with everyone! John 12 tells us that because of Lazarus' testimony of Jesus, the chief priests were also plotting to kill Lazarus: “So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” John 12:10-11 ESV

               It’s evident that Lazarus’ life has changed and that his testimony centers around the amazing miracle that he received from Christ. People are coming from near and far to hear what Lazarus experienced and what he has to say about Jesus!

If you had the same experience that Lazarus had, who would you tell about what happened? You would tell everyone! You would tell everyone what you knew about how Jesus had called you from death to life again! And the reality is, if you’ve received Christ by faith, you already have that testimony! The believer in Jesus Christ has already heard Christ call them from death to life! And the choice that we must now make is who are we going tell about the amazing miracle of His grace that we have received?

This Holy Week, take you opportunity to tell someone about how Christ has conquered death and given you new life in Him! Let someone know how you were once dead and how Jesus gave you new life!