2022 Wk 15: Lesson 1

Jesus-Our Risen Savoir

Lazarus and Mary: Control and the Other Side of “If”...

Lazarus’ and Mary’s story is found in John 11.

Not just about Lazarus and Mary—it’s about Jesus . . . the King . . .

the one who came to save us . . .

the one who is always in complete control.

He is our Risen Savior.

Before Jesus rose from the dead, he caused another to from the dead:

Lazarus of Bethany.

Even if you haven’t read this story maybe you have heard this part…?,

John 11:43 NLT

Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”

Jesus’ friend Lazarus had became ill and died.

Jesus made his way to the tomb.

Jesus ordered his friend’s release:

And Lazarus did.

Some scholars suggest that if Jesus had not called Lazarus by name, all the dead in all the tombs of the surrounding hillside would have emerged at his command.

That could have been a scene like the 1980s Michael Jackson video “Thriller” come to life!

Even when it seemed as if the darkness had won and that there was no hope for Lazarus and his sisters, Jesus remained in complete control.

People don’t like feeling out of control—and we sure don’t like it when we can’t see and we feel out of control.

The Rio Secreto in Cozumel, Mexico, is a place where people can test the limits of their control issues. While Cozumel is known for beautiful, white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear, blue ocean waters; this Mexican vacation destination is also home to underground caves forged by the Rio Secreto, or the Secret River.

At one point on the tour, the guide gathers the tourists into a tight group and turns out the light, engulfing everything in a darkness and quiet that leaves everyone feeling eerily helpless.

If the guide were to slip off into the darkness, there would be no hope of getting out of the caves on your own. The group is at the mercy of the guide and the light they possess.

Perhaps this kind of darkness is what Lazarus experienced before Jesus ordered him out of the tomb.

We find the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11. As we prepare to read this incredible story, remember the scene we just watched in the video clip and the powerful words Mary spoke. While recounting the moment Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, she said,

“And it was that moment—that exact moment—that I realized Jesus was everything I needed but nothing I expected.”

That’s a powerfully insightful statement for us to ponder today.

Has there been a moment when you realized Jesus was everything you needed but nothing you expected?

Nicholas Thomas Wright, an English New Testament scholar, says,

“This story is all about the ways in which Jesus surprises people and overturns their expectations.”

Throughout this story, we see Jesus demonstrate how he’s in control even when emotions are running high.

We often observe people with control issues articulate their struggle by using the word “if”.

We also see Jesus making “if” statements about how he will guide through the darkness all those who believe in him and let him remain in control.

Let’s make our way through the four different parts of the story while pointing out the control and the other side of “if”.

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany...” (John 11:1-16, emphasis added)

In this first part of the story, we learn Lazarus was so sick..

Verse 6 indicates Jesus stayed two days where he was before letting the disciples know the news about Lazarus. Scholars believe that during these two days Jesus sought his heavenly Father in prayer regarding the next steps he should take concerning the news of Lazarus. After prayerful discernment that Lazarus should be brought back to life, Jesus told his disciples what was going on.

When Jesus informed his disciples that they were to head back to Judea where Lazarus’ village was located, the disciples were hesitant to let Jesus control their destiny.

But Jesus was in control and responded to their hesitations with scenarios that include our first two ifs:

Jesus answered,

“Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (John 11:9-10, emphasis added)

Jesus was telling his disciples that if they followed him, then everything would be just fine. If they went off on their own, following their own plans, they were going to stumble around in the darkness.

Jesus then followed this by letting them know about Lazarus:

After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” (John 11:11)

Pay attention to the next if statement that comes from the disciples who are trying to engage with Jesus but have difficulty understanding the big picture:

The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died . . . ” (John 11:12-14, emphasis added)

The disciples had not yet learned to be quiet and let Jesus be in control.

The other side of their if statement was a more complete understanding that Lazarus was dead. John tells us in verse 14 that Jesus told them plainly about Lazarus’ state.

Do you ever wish Jesus would tell you plainly what’s going on?

Maybe you feel as if Jesus is giving you riddles in answer to your prayers, but what you really want are plain answers.

Jesus, what should I do about my job?

Jesus, how should I approach my parents about this issue?

Jesus, what major do you want me to declare in college?

Jesus, would you just tell me what you want me to do? It feels like you’re playing games with me!

Be confident that Jesus never plays games with people who are seeking him in prayer.

While you may feel as if you’re not in control of your situation, be confident that Jesus is always in control.

In his time, he’ll help you know what you need to know. In the meantime, keep trusting and walking with him as he guides you through life by his Word and with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus will never lead you to do anything contrary to what the Bible says. Ask people you trust who love Jesus and have walked with him for a long time to help you process your decisions and to pray for you. Get good counsel from people you know love and live for Jesus. Consider the circumstances that God may be using to answer your prayers. Are doors opening or closing concerning your situation? If the door keeps closing, that may be how God is answering your prayer.

Perhaps Jesus has not answered your prayer the way you want because he has a different purpose in mind for you.

In our story, this was the case for not only the disciples but also for Lazarus’ sisters—they were praying and hoping Jesus would heal their brother before he died, but he didn’t. Jesus tends to reveal what we need to know in just the right way and in just the right time for his glory and our benefit.

The second part of the story moves us from Jesus receiving the news of Lazarus’ death to Jesus making his way to Bethany:

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. (John 11:17-19)

A couple of details to observe before moving on:

First, the fact that Lazarus had been in the tomb four days is important in Jewish culture. Back then it was believed that the soul or spirit of a person who had died did not depart the presence of the body until after three days. People believed that the soul of the person would hang out, hoping to be reunited with the body, until decomposition set in on the fourth day—at this point it was believed that the spirit would flee the scene.

The second fact worth noting is that it would be customary for many Jews to come and mourn with Martha and Mary. According to Jewish practice, even the poorest family was expected to hire at least two flute players and a professional wailing woman to help grieve the dead in appropriate ways. Other mourners were often hired to join in. If you thought “buying followers” on social media was a new trend, it actually seems to have gotten its start in biblical days. There truly is nothing new under the sun!

Now back to Jesus making his way to where Lazarus was located. As we move forward in the story, notice the two if statements Lazarus’ sisters made:

So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.

Martha said to Jesus,

“Lord, “if” you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.

Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him,

“Lord “if” you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”

Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” (John 11:20-37, emphasis added)

Let’s look at the “if” statements from Martha and Mary. Verses 21 and 32 are identical in their wording as both sisters expressed their frustration at Jesus:

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, “if” you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21, emphasis added)

Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord “if” you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32, emphasis added)

In their grief, both Martha and Mary expressed frustration that Jesus could have changed the outcome of Lazarus’ illness “if” Jesus had just been there. Mary and Martha wanted to be in control—but they weren’t. They couldn’t yet see the other side of their “if”.

When was the last time you had an “if” moment that reminded you of your lack of control?

“if” I hadn’t failed that test . . .

“if” I didn’t have that DWI . . .

“if” I just worked a little harder . . .

“if” I would have checked in the rear-view mirror . . .

“if” I would have listened to my parents . . .

“if” I would have waited just a little longer . . .

“if”. . . “if”. . . “if”. . .

What’s the big “if” moment you have no control over . . .

but still seems to be controlling you?

For Martha and Mary, it was—at the very least—disappointment that Jesus wasn’t on time to heal their brother. And while Jesus knew he had control over the situation, he still expressed great compassion for his friends.

In the circumstances of your life, where are you disappointed with Jesus?

“if” you find yourself frustrated, angry, or disappointed with Jesus, know that Jesus is big enough to handle your emotions and loves you enough to let you emote and walk through your feelings.

However your if moment makes you feel…

Jesus has compassion for you. And just as he did with Martha, Jesus invites you to exchange your might-have-beens for a look to a future with Jesus in control of your life.

In verses 23-27, Martha’s conversation with Jesus about the resurrection is one of most powerful passages in the entire Bible. When Jesus asked Martha if she believed in what Jesus said about the resurrection, her “yes” is a powerful statement.

Biblical scholar Herschel Hobbs says,

Martha’s response was the greatest confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah which is recorded in the gospels. Yes,

even greater than that of Peter in Matthew 16:16, for he made his confession from the pinnacle of exhilaration, as the climax of having viewed a long series of mighty works performed by Jesus. But Martha made hers from the pit of despair. She had sent for Jesus in her hour of great need. Insofar as she could tell, he had failed her. Yet she still believed in Him.

Listen again to what Jesus says to Martha during the biggest “if” moment of her life:

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Hear Martha’s confession with fresh ears:

She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” (John 11:27)

The verb form that Martha used when she replied, “Yes, Lord; I believe . . . ” is one that means “I have believed in the past, still believe, and will continue to believe.”

This is a woman choosing to move to the other side of her “if” and give Jesus full control of her life: past . . . present . . . and future.

Every person on the planet must answer the same question Jesus asked Martha. Let’s look at it again:

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Do you believe this?

Your answer to that question has everything to do with what the other side of your “if” might be.

Martha believed—so did Mary. And in the third part of this story, Jesus showed all who were present that day that he was in control:

Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.”

Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that “if” you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” (John 11:38-44, emphasis added)

When Jesus called for the stone to be removed, it sent the sisters into a state of panic, because they weren’t in control of the situation, and they didn’t fully understand Jesus’ intentions in the moment. However, Jesus’ actions are not contingent upon our understanding.

Jesus does the will of the Father who sent him and who understands the bigger picture beyond our limited perspective.

As biblical scholar John MacArthur reminds us concerning Jesus and his actions:

“Jesus never panics nor loses control based on our insecurities, grief or lack of understanding. Jesus always understands his own intentions, motives and is radically secure in His authoritative control.”

Although Jesus just had a conversation with Martha about her belief in his power and control a few verses earlier, in verse 40 Jesus had to remind her about her own confession with another “if” statement:

Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40, emphasis added)

Jesus doesn’t lose patience with the ones he loves.

He’s kind and compassionate even in the insecurities we deal with day by day. Jesus gives us gentle reminders of his control, and he continues to invite us to believe that he’s in control and will guide us with the light of his own life. He won’t leave us stranded in the cave of our doubts surrounded by all our what “if”.

We don’t know much about how Lazarus and Jesus interacted after Jesus raised Lazarus from the darkness of the tomb. What we do know is that after Lazarus came out of the tomb and had his grave clothes removed, the miracle led to one final “if” worth mentioning.

The final section of chapter 11 records how Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead was a catalyst for a plot to kill Jesus:

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. (John 11:45-53, emphasis added)

Scholars believe part of the reason Jesus must have wept before calling Lazarus from the grave was because Jesus knew this public miracle would put in motion events that would lead to his arrest, trial, suffering, and death on the cross.

But he did call Lazarus out of the tomb—and many believed as a result of witnessing this miracle of control over death. It was such a powerful moment that when word got back to the Pharisees and religious leaders, they wondered among themselves what they should do. Notice their big “if” that Jesus caused:

“if” we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation. (John 11:48, emphasis added)

The religious leaders were only concerned about maintaining their own place in society and the benefits it provided—they weren’t as concerned about the state of their nation. It was self before country. This is the only place in the New Testament where the Romans are specifically named as a threat to the Jewish people of Israel.

What unfolded was a perceived exertion of control to keep the religious leaders’ place intact and the nation under their power. However, they set in motion a plan that God had ordained before the foundations of the world.

Today we must come to grips with who’s in control of our life and what lies on the other side of our “if”.

Ask yourself these questions:

“if” Jesus really is in control of my life . . . how does that affect my place in this world?

“if” Jesus really is in control of my life . . . how does that affect what I say I believe?

“if” Jesus really is in control of my life . . . how does that affect the past ifs that haunt me?

“if” Jesus really is in control of me life . . . how do I respond when I can’t see the big picture but trust that Jesus does?

“if” Jesus really is in control of my life . . . how am I doing with following Him so as not to stumble in the darkness by trying to take control of my own life?

The answers to these questions may help us to realize—like Mary said in the video—

that Jesus is everything we needed but

nothing we expected. He is in control and on the other side of our if . . .

As we prepare our hearts and lives for Easter,

May we confess the control issues that are hindering us from following Jesus.

May we recognize our “if” and ask Jesus to give us the strength to move forward in following him day by day.