GLCC Children's Network

Summertime is fast approaching. Things move along so quickly, it's hard to keep up sometimes. Last week was Fifth Friday, and though we usually do something fun, this time we just let everyone enjoy the weekend.

This week was an interesting topic. As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, we come upon the story of Lazarus. Now, many people know the story of old Lazarus, and how he rose from the grave at Jesus' command. But have they really looked at it.

Lazarus of Bethany (as opposed to Lazarus the beggar) was, of course, a good friend of Jesus. Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, can be found in the Gospels as the people that Jesus often visits when he comes to Jerusalem. The story of Lazarus is (aside from the Passion) John's longest single story. The miracle of Lazarus is the reason people lined up to see Jesus when He entered Jerusalem, and could have been the final straw that caused the Sanhedrin to seek His death.

It is reported to Jesus that his friend Lazarus is ill. Jesus did not go right to Bethany, but waited. When He finally got to Bethany, He was told Lazarus had been dead for four days. Then He said something to the effect of "I'm glad I wasn't here,l because now you can believe." He then gives his famous quote in John 11:25-26:

John 11 also contains verse 35, which (in the KJV and NKJV) simply says:

What a tender moment! Here is the Savior of the World, sharing in His full humanity by shedding tears for his fallen friend. Or perhaps, for all of us?

A memorable part of the story is when Jesus orders the stone to be rolled away, and Martha (always the practical one) says that Lazarus must really stink by now. After all, he's been dead in the hot desert for four days. But Jesus us undeterred, and calls Lazarus forward.

Of course, this demonstrates Jesus' authority over death, an authority He would soon be using to raise himself from the grave.