What Old Testament miracles affirm Jesus' power as questioned in John 11:37? Setting the Scene at Bethany John 11:37: “But some of them asked, ‘Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept this man from dying?’” The crowd saw Jesus heal a blind man (John 9) and wondered why He had not prevented Lazarus’ death. Scripture had already supplied many portraits of the LORD’s power to stop death and reverse it—signposts that point straight to Jesus. Old Testament Snapshots That Echo Jesus’ Power (Each event shows the same authority over life and death that the bystanders questioned in Jesus.) • Elijah raises the widow’s son – 1 Kings 17:22: “The LORD heard Elijah’s voice, and the child’s life returned to him, and he lived.” – God proves He can restore life instantly, just as Jesus will do moments after John 11:37. • Elisha raises the Shunammite’s son – 2 Kings 4:32-35. – Another child revived by simple petition and physical touch—anticipating Jesus’ call, “Lazarus, come out!” • Corpse revived by touching Elisha’s bones – 2 Kings 13:21. – Even Elisha’s remains carry life-giving power from God, foreshadowing the greater power resident in Christ’s own body (John 2:19-22). • Passover protection from the destroyer – Exodus 12:23. – The blood of the lamb shields Israelites from death; Jesus, “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), will shield His people perfectly. • Aaron halts the plague – Numbers 16:46-48. – Standing “between the living and the dead,” Aaron’s atonement stops judgment, previewing Jesus’ mediating work that rescues from spiritual death. • Bronze serpent heals snake-bitten Israelites – Numbers 21:8-9 (cf. John 3:14-15). – Physical healing through a God-given symbol; Jesus cites this episode to explain His own life-saving exaltation. • Naaman cleansed of leprosy – 2 Kings 5:14. – Incurable disease reversed at God’s word, paralleling Jesus’ instant cures (e.g., Matthew 8:3). • Hezekiah’s life extended fifteen years – 2 Kings 20:5-6. – The LORD overturns a terminal verdict; likewise Jesus proclaims, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). • Protection in the fiery furnace and lions’ den – Daniel 3:24-27; 6:22. – God preserves lives where death is certain, previewing Christ’s mastery over every threat—including the tomb itself. Connecting the Dots to Jesus • Same Source: The God who acted through prophets in the Old Testament stands bodily present at Lazarus’ tomb. • Same Authority: In each miracle God commands life, disease, nature, or judgment—and obedience follows. Jesus issues identical commands (“Lazarus, come out!”) with identical results. • Same Compassion: Old Testament rescues flow from divine mercy; Jesus’ tears (John 11:35) reveal that same heart. • Fulfillment, not Imitation: Those earlier wonders were sketches; Jesus is the full portrait. Where Elijah stretched himself over a child, Jesus merely speaks, and where temporary reprieves were granted, Jesus offers everlasting life (John 11:26). Why These Miracles Strengthen Our Confidence The crowd doubted, but Scripture had already shown that stopping death—or reversing it—is effortless for the LORD. Every Old Testament instance whispers what John 11 shouts: the One who stands before Lazarus’ tomb wields the very power of God. Trusting Him is neither wishful thinking nor blind faith; it is the only reasonable response to the consistent, miraculous record of Scripture. |
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