Jesus had predicted a triumph over the grave when He told the disciples that Lazarus’ illness would not result in death. The disciples must have been confused when they arrived at Lazarus’ home, as he had been in the grave for four days. But that wasn’t the end. When Jesus went to visit Lazarus’ tomb, an unexpected miracle occurred.
John 11: 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” [1]
Death is a result of sin in this world. 1 Corinthians 15: 21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life… 26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.[2]
But Why is There Still Death?
As Christians, we often say that Jesus defeated death on the cross, yet we live in a world where death is a reality. So what does it mean when Jesus brought triumph over the grave? Paul gives a good explanation.
1 Corinthians 15: 50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever…
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.[3]
At our earthly death, as believers, God will change our physical bodies to supernatural bodies for eternity with Him.
A Living Hope
Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in gravecloths. The crowd was so shocked that Jesus had to tell them to unwrap him. Jesus gives us a new life out of the death of sin. However, as new believers, we may enter the new life with some of the old wraps or habits still around us. We need fellow believers to come alongside us and help us unwrap our old, sinful behaviors. Who can you help unwrap?
The hope of eternal life enables us to live with hope here on earth. This promise of Jesus gives us faith and strength to fight spiritual battles here on earth. We can persevere and carry the burdens when life is challenging. Our Resurrection Hope, Jesus, encourages us to help and reassure others. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.