Topical Bible: The Love of Christ: Exemplified Towards: Lazarus

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The love of Christ is profoundly exemplified in His relationship with Lazarus, as recorded in the Gospel of John. Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, resided in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. The narrative of Lazarus provides a compelling illustration of Christ's deep compassion and divine power.

Lazarus's Illness and Death

The account begins with Lazarus falling gravely ill. His sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, behold, the one You love is sick" (John 11:3). This message underscores the close bond between Jesus and Lazarus, indicating a relationship marked by love and mutual affection. Despite receiving the urgent message, Jesus remained where He was for two more days, stating, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4).

Jesus's Arrival in Bethany

Upon His arrival in Bethany, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. The delay was not due to indifference but was part of a divine plan to reveal God's glory and deepen the faith of those involved. When Jesus encountered Mary and the mourners, He was deeply moved and troubled, leading to the shortest yet one of the most poignant verses in the Bible: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). This moment reveals the depth of Christ's empathy and His genuine sorrow over the suffering caused by death.

The Raising of Lazarus

Jesus approached the tomb and commanded that the stone be removed. Despite Martha's concern about the odor, Jesus reminded her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). After praying to the Father, Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). Lazarus emerged from the tomb, still wrapped in grave clothes, demonstrating Christ's authority over life and death.

Significance of the Miracle

The raising of Lazarus is a testament to Christ's love and power. It serves as a precursor to His own resurrection and a powerful sign of His identity as the Son of God. This miracle not only comforted Lazarus's family but also strengthened the faith of His disciples and many others who witnessed it. The event led many to believe in Jesus, though it also intensified the opposition from the religious leaders, setting the stage for the events leading to the crucifixion.

Christ's Love in Action

The love of Christ towards Lazarus is multifaceted, encompassing both His human compassion and His divine purpose. Jesus's actions demonstrate that His love is not merely emotional but is also purposeful, aiming to reveal God's glory and bring about a greater good. Through the account of Lazarus, believers are reminded of the profound love Christ has for His followers, a love that conquers even death itself.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 11:5,36
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded.
... HEAVENLY CONTEMPLATION EXEMPLIFIED, AND THE WHOLE WORK CONCLUDED ... look or thought;
but all are one in Christ, who is ... the Father, and all live in the love of him ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xvi heavenly contemplation exemplified.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... through faith, [793]304; to be known in the world by their mutual love, [794]ib ... Gluttony,
power of, exemplified in those who would have made Christ a King ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Matt. viii. 14
... and the mean estate which throughout His life He exemplified in all ... which may we
all attain, by the grace and love to man of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvii matt viii 14.htm

Authenticity and Credibility of the Gospel Narratives.
... and harmless as doves," he perfectly exemplified throughout his ... the whole history
of Christ's kingdom in ... the most philosophical minds especially love to dwell ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter iv authenticity and credibility.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... to trust in God, pray to him, and love him. ... excruciated and tormented by the glory
of Christ, if there ... The former is exemplified when we consider how great the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

Critical Notes.
... We have the same law exemplified on a large ... which we reluctantly copy: "Did he [Christ
in Gethsemane ... following passage: "All his power to love was transferred ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/critical notes.htm

Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called...
... are listened to carefully; and that our love of divine ... And having Christ for its
inhabitant, what could ever ... This however may also be seen exemplified at the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii spoken in antioch.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... O soul, thou that hast set thy face towards heaven, though ... saints, and a soul-satisfying,
soul-saving Christ, who came from the bosom of love, and gave ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... 58] 'after his wonted manner.' He exemplified the character ... usually attended with
much evil towards them that ... so every saved soul, is Christ's love, even when ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... answerable to her, Himself has His methods, which He walketh in towards His people ...
CHRIST. They are idle; they love not to take pains; uphill way is unpleasant ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm