When we talk about the applied meaning of events or teachings, we are very much in line with the way Jesus thought. As we come to our text, John 11:1-53 today, we again see an outward sign or work pointing to truths beyond the event itself.

The story of Lazarus is well-known. What isn’t quite as well-known is the “point” of the story. For many, the raising of Lazarus is yet another proof of an end-time resurrection. The traditional reasoning goes, if there was not going to be a final, physical resurrection, then this event would be meaningless.
 
But note how Jesus claims Lazarus points to his forthcoming resurrection. In John 12:24 Jesus speaks of the need for a grain of wheat to die and fall to the earth in order to bring forth “much fruit.” It is clear that Jesus is referring to himself and his own death, burial and resurrection.

In 1 Cor. 15:20 we see that Jesus is considered the “first fruits of those that have died.” Those who are joined to Jesus after the cross event are also called “first fruits”—we see this in James 1:18.

So, if the physical resurrection of Lazarus was in some way to prefigure the resurrection of humanity at a supposed ‘end of the world event,’ then Jesus was NOT the first fruits raised from the dead.

But if there is a greater truth to be found in the “applied meaning” of Christ’s resurrection, such as the one Paul makes in 1 Cor. 15:3 regarding Christ’s dying for our sins, then we can see how Jesus was in fact the first fruits raised from the dead and how the “outward” sign of his resurrection.

What then, was the meaning of the resurrection of Lazarus?

From the outset of the 11th chapter of John we hear Jesus saying that the sickness of Lazarus does not lead to death, rather it is for God’s glory so that Jesus might be glorified in this spectacular event as well.

Verse 14 brings us the stark truth that Lazarus has died. From here it is instructive to see the response of Martha, the sister of Lazarus.

When Martha hears that Jesus is coming, she races to meet him—Mary stays home, waiting on the Lord. Martha affirms her faith in Jesus by saying that she knows if he had been there her brother would not have diedbut then she takes it a step further and attempts to ‘guide’ the work of God she says, “But even now I know that God will give you what you ask of him”—implying that perhaps it is not too late to perform a miracle.

Jesus tells Martha that Lazarus will rise again. Martha, mistakenly sees this as a “last day” event. Jesus corrects her by saying that “he” is the resurrection and the life and that anyone believing on him will never diedid you see what he just did?

He addressed Martha’s attempt to hang on to a plan that is not God’s plan. He resists “her” definition of “death.” He affirms “his” definition of “life”—the “life” his death is meant to bring and it isn’t at all about a changed “physicality” at a supposed ‘end-of-time.’ It is about new life in God starting on this side of the grave.

Finally, Lazarus is brought forth from the dead. What Jesus says next is yet another indicator of a greater truth. He says, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

The binding of the grave clothes stood in stark comparison to the freeing message of Jesus and the deliverance he was bringing to humanity.

The signs of Jesus were clear, he could even raise the dead—if that were the case, then his words of giving eternal life must also be true. Likewise, whether it be the resurrection of Lazarus or Jesus, the event was to point to a far greater truth that lay beyond the outward event.

God’s plan was never meant to end with the weeping, but with the joy of the new life brought by Christ.

That’s the model of God’s plan for humanity. That was the model he revealed on this day in the life of Lazarus.

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The Gospel of John, Pt 15, May 05, 2004