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I’ve been reading a book by a well-educated man (he holds degrees from five different universities) who explains that the story of Lazarus “must be read on several different levels.” The author opens with a proofreading mistake (?) which says that the story is recorded in John 12. (Try chapter 11 instead.) He then observes that Jesus said to a disciple that Lazarus’ illness was not unto death. He continues, “If that statement was true, then Jesus did not raise Lazarus from the dead, because he simply had not died. If he did raise Lazarus from the dead, then Jesus was mistaken in saying that he had not died.” The author apparently believes it was the resurrection of Lazarus which did not happen. He continues, “Every so often you read an account of someone being pronounced dead but coming back to life. If this happens in a hospital, you don’t begin to call the doctor ‘God,’ and start a new religion.” He further maintains that Lazarus was spiritually dead, and that Jesus raised him to spiritual life. (I must confess that the author of the book is reading on “different levels” than I am able to discern). Jesus did say, “This illness is not unto death,” but Jesus’ answer, “it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it” shows that the final result of Lazarus’ illness was not death (though he dies), but was to reveal God’s glory, as well as His own (John 11:4). One should not assume that when Jesus tells his disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awake him out of sleep,” that Lazarus is taking a nap. “Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead’ ” (John 11:13-14). If you go back and read the story carefully, you will observe that everyone knew that Lazarus was physically dead and that Jesus raised him up. If it had been otherwise the chief priests, the Pharisees, and the council would not have reached the conclusion that Jesus had to be put to death. “So from that day on they took counsel how to put him to death” (John 11:53). If this were a case where one is dead (spiritually) while living, and Jesus gave spiritual life, it would not have provoked such a drastic action as the cross. JOHN GIPSON |