Becoming Lazarus
Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NLT
Martha Mary and Lazarus
Scriptures record that Jesus went to visit Martha and Mary, no mention of their brother Lazarus. But who is he anyway? Hard to say, because we know nothing more of Lazarus of Bethany, other than he was the brother of Martha and Mary. That these three siblings were friends and became disciples if not followers of Jesus. And that they were people who Jesus loved.
Rise to Fame
The only other thing we have on Lazarus, was his rise to fame which was literally because he was risen from the grave by Jesus of Nazareth Himself no less.
Let us read from this narrative of John, chapter 11 starting at verse 1.
The Raising of Lazarus
"A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.”
But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days. Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”
Becoming Lazarus
Reading the next verses, it was recorded that upon hearing that his beloved friend was sick, Jesus went to Bethany, although He waited a few days. He comforted the sisters. He wept. And then He called Lazarus back from the dead.
Amazing, but nothing else we have on Lazarus. Nothing on what he said. Nothing on what he did. Nada, and yes Mary his sister was the Mary who wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair, with expensive perfume.
But on Lazarus, nothing except that:
-he was a dear friend of Jesus
-Jesus loved Him
-he died and was buried
-Jesus came for him when they told Him he was sick (although not in hurry)
-Jesus wept for him and
-Jesus brought him back from the grave
Nothing
Whoever or whatever Lazarus did to get this much affection and compassion from Jesus, we don't know for it wasn't recorded. So becoming Lazarus, is really harder to do than becoming Martha or Mary.
But becoming Lazarus is something followers of Jesus needs to keep in mind. We should all be remembered for how Jesus feels about us, for what miraculous things Jesus have done for us, and after all these, calling no attention to ourselves but having the spotlight on Jesus.
Lazarus died to this world to be brought back to life -- the same way Jesus is calling the walking dead back to a rebirth -- a reset, a new life in Him and be a living witness.
* Tradition, relics and witings outside of Scriptures tell us what could have happened with Lazarus and his sisters after he was brought back to life.
These writings suggest they fled their homeland because of threats to their lives after Lazarus become the walking, breathing, talk of the town evidence of God's power.
It is suggested that Lazarus later on became a bishop and one account said he was martyred for his faith.
We really do not know what of these are true but for sure, we know that once the Lord has given you a new life, He has a plan for it and He has something in store for you to do.
Jesus wants us to be a modern day Lazarus, to be back from the dead, living a new life, for God's glory.
Whoever or whatever Lazarus did to get this much affection and compassion from Jesus, we don't know for it wasn't recorded. So becoming Lazarus, is really harder to do than becoming Martha or Mary.
But becoming Lazarus is something followers of Jesus needs to keep in mind. We should all be remembered for how Jesus feels about us, for what miraculous things Jesus have done for us, and after all these, calling no attention to ourselves but having the spotlight on Jesus.
Lazarus died to this world to be brought back to life -- the same way Jesus is calling the walking dead back to a rebirth -- a reset, a new life in Him and be a living witness.
* Tradition, relics and witings outside of Scriptures tell us what could have happened with Lazarus and his sisters after he was brought back to life.
These writings suggest they fled their homeland because of threats to their lives after Lazarus become the walking, breathing, talk of the town evidence of God's power.
It is suggested that Lazarus later on became a bishop and one account said he was martyred for his faith.
We really do not know what of these are true but for sure, we know that once the Lord has given you a new life, He has a plan for it and He has something in store for you to do.
Jesus wants us to be a modern day Lazarus, to be back from the dead, living a new life, for God's glory.
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