Lazarus was dead and in the tomb for 4 days when Jesus arrived. Friends told Jesus of Lazarus’ sickness but the Lord delayed coming to Bethany “for the glory of God” (John 11:4) and so that his disciples might learn to believe (John 11:15). Lazarus, his sisters Martha and Mary, were dear friends of Jesus. So, when Jesus finally arrived at their home he was met with some confusion.
“If you had been here, my brother would not have died” quipped Martha. Mary would say the same thing (John 11:21, 32).
In response to their pain and the grieving of those assembled, Jesus was “deeply moved” and “greatly troubled.” The inspired writer says, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). To this display of divine emotion, the Jews remarked, “See how he loved him” (John 11:36)!
I invite the reader to see how Jesus loves us too!
From his attendance in Creation, Jesus showed his love for man. Man was created as the pinnacle of all creation. He was placed into the beauty of a prepared garden, given a specially designed mate, and allowed unique access to God (Genesis 1:26-2:25). See how Jesus loves us!
Despite the rebellion (Genesis 3:6), he continued to love us. While punishing the serpent, the man, and the woman, Jesus was promised as a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). This is all the more remarkable when we consider that Jesus, in his Redeemer role, would have to suffer and die. Imagine that! The Creator dies for the creation! But this came as no surprise to Jesus. His coming passion was known from before time (1 Peter 1:20; Matthew 13:35; Ephesians 1:4; Proverbs 8:23; Micah 5:2). So, before the world was created, Jesus knew that his creation would sin and that he, Jesus, alone, could save them from deserved punishment through his own suffering. He created us anyway! See how Jesus loves us!
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords left his glory to mix and mingle among the poor and downtrodden (1 Timothy 6:15; Philippians 2:7). He made lower than the angels so that he could suffer death (Hebrews 2:7, 9)! The immortal took on mortal frailty! See how he loves us!
Jesus described God’s love as that of a father. Matthew 7:7-11 is so revealing. God gives us all that we need just as a father gives his children all that they need! “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him.” You surely love your children. How much more shall we know the loves of God toward us? Whatever our need, God always gives what is best! See how he loves us!
No parent wants to be separated from their children. Sometimes it is necessary but it is never desired. I suspect that most of us would love to have our children in the same town as which we live. We love them and we want them close. Jesus has promised to bring us all together into his home for eternity. “I go to prepare a place for you…I will come again…where I am, you may be also” (John 14:2, 3). Although apart from God briefly, we will be reunited with him soon (2 Corinthians 5:6-10). It is Jesus who ensures that we can be reunited with him in heaven! See how he loves us!
The story of Jesus and his love for man in inexhaustible. Every page of Scripture abounds with evidence of his love for us. May we bask in the warmth of his love knowing that he has given all for us.
Your thoughts and comments are always welcomed.
