The story of Lazarus is both confronting and inspirational. Although it caused Jesus intense grief, he delays the healing of Lazarus in order to instead raise him from the dead. Having complete trust in God to protect him and his disciples from harm, Jesus returns to Judea where the Jews had previously sought to stone him, and discovers that Lazarus had already been dead for 4 days.
Both Mary and Martha struggled to understand why Jesus hadn’t returned in time to heal Lazarus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus consoled Martha with the words “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die“.
These words describe our hope also. Let us likewise live in Jesus, demonstrating our belief to those around us, confident that we too can receive the crown of life promised to those who love God, “for He who promised is faithful“.