A New Day

Every feature of the Christian’s salvation, position and hope is dependent on the resurrection of His Lord. Very much depended on the death of Christ, but every value of that death would have been sacrificed apart from the resurrection. L.S. Chafer and

“When Christ rose from the dead, Christianity was born.”” …the new creation was brought into existence.”

John, in 11:25 wrote of Jesus, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

JFB makes this observation, ““The whole power to restore, impart, and maintain life, resides in, (Christ).” What higher claim to supreme divinity than this grand saying can be conceived? Other verses include,

John 1:4 ” In him was life; and the life was the light of men. “and

John 5:21  “For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.”  ESV

Christ, in proclaiming Himself as “the resurrection” was affirming that He was indeed God in the flesh.

But,  “…from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.  John 11:53 Who? “Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council.” These religious leaders plotted His death now.

However The story started here in John 11:1 , “Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.” 

“When Jesus had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.   Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.  His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? “

Jesus was moved by his love for his Father and for His friend. He appeared to ignore the potential dangers. Expositors observes,

” …as the in-personated love of God come to dwell among men, sharing their sorrows and their joys — and men hate Him the more; the more love He shows; as the Truth which could make men free, and they choose to serve the father of lies, and to do his work.”

“Jesus answered his disciples, Are there not twelve hours in the day? “John 11:9

Robertson comments, “It is not blind fatalism that Jesus proclaims, but the opposite of cowardice. He has full confidence in the Father s purpose about his “hour” which has not yet come.” then: Jesus declares,

Lazarus is dead.   And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. John 11:15

Jesus, out of His great love, wanted to effect faith in his disciples. Amazing how this was outweighing any potential consequences, which were to come. As the story in John 11 goes, Jesus meets short-sightedness and unbelief in the sisters of the deceased. He persists regardless. Then, Plowing through more unbelief, Jesus wept. Why?

  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; Hebrews 4:15

Jesus wept because “sumpatheo” is the Greek root word for our “sympathy.” “commiserate”

“Take ye away the stone.”

that they may believe that thou hast sent me. — “Lazarus, come forth.” , he did, and grave clothes were removed.

Beloved, faith worketh by love, so says Galatians. 5:6 It cost Jesus His life. Resurrection, however prevailed again. Its a new day, Hallelujah love ya.