The apostle John wrote how, “the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death. Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young donkey, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey's colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him”, and in chapter twelve and verse seventeen of his book John shared how, “the people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave … bare record” where we read:
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave,
and raised him from the dead, bare record.
The verse reads, “The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, ...” John began with the words, “the people therefore” which means “the people both male and female then, wherefore and on this account” “that was with him” or “who were alongside Jesus” “when he called Lazarus” which means “at the time and moment Jesus summoned Lazarus whose name means whom God helps” “out of his grave” or “away from Lazarus' tomb or sepulcher”. John referred to the “people” who were with Jesus when He summoned “Lazarus” from out of His tomb.
The verse goes on to say, “... and raised him from the dead, bare record.” John continued with the words, “and raised him” which means “and aroused and resurrected Lazarus” “from the dead” or “away and separate from the lifeless, deceased, and destitute of life”, “bear record” which means “witnessed and gave testimony”. John shared how “the people” who observed Jesus “resurrecting” Lazarus from his lifeless state testified about it.
When we think through John's words in this verse, we learn how there were witnesses to Jesus resurrecting “Lazarus” from the dead. Not only did Jesus summon Lazarus from the grave, but He actually raised Him from the dead and these “people” told others about it. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to be the “Savior and Lord” of every person who believes and trusts in Him, and when they do, they will be forgiven of their sins and receive everlasting life. The miracle of “Lazarus” being raised from the dead demonstrated Jesus' power over death, and those who yield to Him will be resurrected from the dead as well.
Next time John shares how, “for this cause the people also met him”, 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".
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