Lazarus is Dead - John 11:14

The apostle John wrote how Jesus asked, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbles, because there is no light in him. These things said he: and after that he said unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleeps, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep”, and in chapter eleven and verse fourteen of his book John shared how Jesus told His disciples, “Lazarus is dead” where we read:

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

The verse reads, “Then said Jesus unto them plainly, ...” John began with the words, “Then said Jesus” which means “at that time uttered, declared and proclaimed the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate whose name means Jehovah is Salvation” “unto them plainly” or “to His disciples unreservedly, frankly, openly and without concealment”. John shared how Jesus began to speak to His disciples in an “unconcealed” manner.

The verse goes on to say, “... Lazarus is dead.” John continued with the word, “Lazarus” whose name means “whom God heals” “is dead” or “is without life, vitality and breath”. John shared how Jesus told His disciples “Lazarus” was without “life”.

When we meditate upon John's words in this verse, we learn how Jesus told His disciples that their friend “Lazarus” had expired. Jesus referred to “Lazarus” as “sleeping”, and this meant he had “died”. This state before Jesus was no different because He was able to manage both. God loves people, and He desires to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus. All people are spiritually “dead” before Jesus brings “life” to them, and when they believe and trust in Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life with Him. Those who are wise will understand their position before God, “spiritually dead”, and ask Jesus to breathe “life” into them so they may “live” before Him.

Next time John shares how Jesus told His disciples, “I am glad for your sakes that I was not there”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".