What Jesus Taught at Lazarus' Tomb

Scripture: John 11:1-16, 38-45

Song: In The Morning Of Joy

Jesus who taught us about life and living was not remiss in teaching us about death and dying.

Jesus taught that death is no respecter of persons. Lazarus’ sisters sent word, “Behold, he whom You love is sick” (vs. 3). Death gave no special treatment to the Lord’s friends. It did not consider His affections. If Jesus’ love and interest offered no special exemption from an untimely death, what’s protecting you. Death is no respecter.

Jesus taught that death is not beholden to our schedule. Jesus waited two more days before going to Bethany. But death did not wait on Jesus. How foolish to presume that death will wait until we get our house in order. We must prepare and stay prepared. If death was not obligated by Jesus’ schedule, it certainly is not obligated by ours.

Jesus taught that the one who recognize His voice in life will recognize His voice in death. “Lazarus, come forth,” said Jesus at the tomb of the one He loved. Lazarus, who had known Jesus’ voice when he lived, heard Jesus’ voice though he lay in the tomb. “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice” (John 8:28). Jesus knows the names of those who have known His name and responded to His voice in life. What assurance that death who respects no person and no schedule will be rendered powerless in the resurrection by the voice of the risen Savior.

Jason Moore