No one had ever done before anything like this.

Verses 38-40 There are many emotions going on here. Jesus is probably sad at the unbelief of those who doubt his power, and blame him for not preventing the death of Lazarus. He grieved for the hardness of their hearts. His tender spirit is sensitive to the grief as they near Lazarus’ grave.

They lay distinguished people to rest in a tomb or cave. They bury the average person underground.

Jesus commanded them to remove the stone from the mouth of the tomb. Martha objected. Lazarus had been dead four days and the odor would be putrid.

Jesus’ response tells us Martha didn’t believe he could do anything about her brother’s death now.

Martha’s weak faith strengthened forever

Jesus replied by telling her she hadn’t been paying attention: did I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? He called her to show her faith in him by her action — allowing the stone to be removed.

If we will take Jesus at his word and rely on his power and faithfulness, we will see the glory of God.

Jesus didn’t want Martha’s explanations about bodily decay; he wanted her to walk by faith, putting one foot in front of the other. Faith is acting like God is telling the truth. Trust in Jesus must come before seeing Jesus if we want to experience His supernatural intervention in our circumstances.

We can never know what God plans to do in secret until we obey what he has clearly revealed to us. Jesus has given us so many assurances that He will bless our faith when we believe.

Jesus’ Delays Are Always Working Out His Greatest Glory

Verses 41-42 When they move the stone, in humility and holy boldness, Jesus thanked the Father for always hearing him. Jesus acknowledged the reason he delayed coming to see Lazarus in the first place was so that the crowd standing there might believe that the Father had sent Jesus.

If we want to see the glory of God, we must do things His way. Jesus’ delays are always working out his greatest glory. 

He could’ve shown up on time and conducted a private miracle to heal Lazarus. Instead, he arrived late for this public, supernatural display which validated that he indeed was the Messiah. Jesus’ delays are always working out his purposes for His greatest glory and our greatest good. This delayed miracle was a miracle of miracles! It sparked faith in the mass gathering of people.

Waiting brought temporary grief, but it produced a tremendous spiritual impact. The delay opened a doorway to the possibility of a miracle. This invited people in. The proof of Jesus’ power induced them to believe.

When we obey and trust Jesus, He intercedes on our behalf for supernatural intervention in our situation. The Bible says blessed are those who have not seen and still believe. John‬ ‭20:29 NLT‬‬‬

‭‭And yet, the more we see Jesus, the more reasons we find to love him and trust him.

Verses 43-44 Jesus addresses the dead man and calls for Lazarus to come out.

The Jews were leaning in. They had often heard of his miracles but they evaded the conviction of them with questions and doubt.

Then, from out of the tomb, a living man walked, still bound and wrapped in burial cloth. He raised the dead to life! All suspicions yielded to this miracle and unbelief is no longer victorious!

This miracle is a foretaste of what is coming. One day, Lazarus will physically die again. But those who believe in Jesus will take part in the everlasting resurrection and live forever.

Prayer

Jesus, my heart sings for joy at who you are. You remain faithful even when I am not. Your love is steadfast, even when mine is shrinking. You hold mercy and good things for me, even when I don’t deserve it. Your work in my life has forever strengthened my faith. When my situation feels hopeless, help my faith make allowances for you to do a new thing, Jesus. I rely on your power and faithfulness to perform in my life, Jesus, that your glory might be on display. Open my eyes, give me the eyes of faith to see you working in my life, Jesus. Help me, Holy Spirit, obey the Word, conquer my unbelief, and help me submit to the convictions of your Truth. I know your miracles surround me, Jesus. Bless my faith with even more signs and wonders, Jesus. Thank you for hearing me when I pray and interceding when I don’t know what to ask for, Jesus. May the increase of my faith in you glorify you, Lord. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray, Amen.