\u201cMany of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, and they came\u2014not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shalom. May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed.<\/p>\n
At one time the Lord Jesus told His disciples these words:<\/p>\n
\nJohn 12:24 \u2014 \u201cMost assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
He spoke these words after His disciples saw the large crowds following Him to be saved\u2014many even coming from distant lands just to see Him. He also said this to teach them through an event that had happened only a few days earlier.<\/p>\n
That event was the story of Lazarus.<\/p>\n
\nWhy Did Jesus Allow Lazarus to Die?<\/h2>\n
As many of us know, Lazarus was greatly loved by Jesus. He had been Jesus\u2019 close friend for a long time. But one day Lazarus became very sick. News reached Jesus\u2014yet He did not rush to help. Instead, He remained where He was and allowed Lazarus to continue in sickness until he died.<\/p>\n
Even after hearing of his death, Jesus waited two more days before going to Bethany where Lazarus and his sisters lived. When He finally arrived, Lazarus had already been buried and his body had begun to decay (John 11).<\/p>\n
Why did Jesus allow this?<\/p>\n
Because He wanted later to teach His disciples the meaning of the verse above and its consequences.<\/p>\n
\nThe Impact of Lazarus\u2019 Resurrection<\/h2>\n
When Jesus raised Lazarus and restored him to life\u2014healthier than before\u2014the Bible shows that this miracle shook the kingdom of darkness. Lazarus\u2019 testimony drew many people to Christ, so much that the chief priests even planned to kill Lazarus as well.<\/p>\n
\nJohn 12:9\u201311 \u2014
\u201cA large crowd of the Jews learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus\u2019 sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.
But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also,
because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThis shows how powerful the impact of Lazarus\u2014who had died, been buried, and decayed\u2014became in the spiritual realm, far more than the Lazarus who had never gone through death.<\/p>\n
\nTwo Types of Lazarus<\/h2>\n
Ask yourself:<\/p>\n
Why didn\u2019t people follow Lazarus before?
Why didn\u2019t he attract anyone to Christ even though he was Jesus\u2019 beloved friend?<\/p>\nEven today, someone may say, \u201cChrist is my friend,\u201d and truly know Him like the first Lazarus\u2014but not like the Lazarus who died, was buried, and rose again.<\/p>\n
That is why, shortly after this event, Jesus said:<\/p>\n
\nJohn 12:24 \u2014 \u201cUnless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This verse was rooted in the example of Lazarus.<\/p>\n
\nThe Spiritual Meaning: Dying to Sin<\/h2>\n
If you are saved but are not willing to \u201cdie\u201d\u2014to be seen as foolish for Christ\u2019s sake or mocked because you refuse certain things for Him\u2014then you cannot be the second Lazarus. You cannot claim to be truly born again.<\/p>\n
If you are afraid to stop wearing revealing clothing because of what friends will say, you will not bear fruit for Christ\u2014no matter how long you claim to have been saved.<\/p>\n
Some walked with Christ longer than we have, like Judas\u2014yet he bore no fruit. Even Lazarus, though loved by Jesus, had no fruit before his death and resurrection. They had not yet died to sin.<\/p>\n
If you fear leaving sexual immorality because of what others will say\u2014if you fear being called \u201cborn again\u201d\u2014then you have not yet died and risen with Christ, and you will bear no fruit for Him.<\/p>\n
\nThe Call to True Fruitfulness<\/h2>\n
If we truly desire spiritual fruit, we must be willing to leave the world completely. This is Christ\u2019s principle\u2014there is no shortcut.<\/p>\n
Remember this Word again:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cUnless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
May the Lord help us all.<\/p>\n
Be blessed.<\/p>\n