BIBLICAL BACKGROUND: Much of Jesus’ last nine months are recorded only in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 9-19). However, from John’s Gospel we may put one key piece together, as well. The raising of Lazarus occurred sometime between December and April of 28-29AD, and from John we read of Mary and Martha calling for Jesus to inform Him their brother Lazarus is ill (John 11:1). Not more than two months have passed since the Jews sought to stone Jesus at the Feast of Dedication (‘Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter.” – John 10:22-31). Though Jesus has crossed over the Jordan, east into Perea (John 10:40) he is told by his disciples there that it is still dangerous to venture back to Bethany, which – though near Perea – is nearer still to Jerusalem (John 11:8 & 18). Yet, after two days pass, Jesus does so. (11:6)
BIBLICAL BACKGROUND, CONT. Upon coming to Bethany, Jesus sees that Lazarus has died and weeps over the death of this one He loves. In an amazing display of power Jesus next raises Lazarus from the dead and many believe on Him – even some 'Jews' (meaning the Scribes and Pharisees). Others depart from Bethany to report Jesus’ activity to Caiaphas and the ruling council. Enraged and threatened by Jesus’ display of power, the council collectively agrees that Jesus must be killed. “Then, from that day on, these plot to put Him to death. Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples” John 11: 53-54. Following this last display of power, Jesus’ Perean ministry ends - and He and his disciples travel privately to Ephraim, a city in northern Judea bordering Samaria. From this text we might surmise that Jesus travels one last time north to Galilee as well, perhaps to see His family one last time and travel with them to the Feast of the Passover. This would explain Luke’s description of Jesus passing along the border of Galilee and Samaria on His final journey to Jerusalem (Luke 17:11).
Now regarding the recently released movie, “The Lazarus Effect,” rottentomatoes.com gives it a poor, one star rating, and writes, “The Lazarus Effect has a talented cast and the glimmer of an interesting idea, but wastes it all on insipid characters and dull, recycled plot points. It has a great cast but falls short with a tired and worn out theme.” http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_lazarus_effect/
This said I can assure you that the real Lazarus effect, the one dating sometime between late December and early January of 28-29AD, garnered quite the opposite response. When Christ raised Lazarus from the dead everyone noticed! I’d say it was a Five Star rating – one of both joy and fury. Indeed, Caiaphas and the council were not concerned with its validity, just with the disruption of social order it brought, as well as the potential for political disorder it might soon bring. Surely we wonder at the rationale behind their attempting to ‘kill’ anyone with such power. Yet, they did - making a response that was anything but rational.
So what of the real Lazarus effect upon each of us today? Had we been there what might we have said, done or felt about Jesus of Nazareth who commanded even the dead to rise from their grave? Jesus spoke to Martha then prayed this prayer to God – “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” … … Then lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." John 11:40-42
Yes, belief in Christ – that He is who says He is, has accomplished all the gospels say, and will do all He has promised to do – is to know with certainty both the hope of resurrection and Christ’s power for everyday life. It is to know that there is not anything beyond His concern nor His love and care! Jesus wept over Lazarus because He saw in what happened to him sin’s result – death. His tears were not tears of futility, they were tears of deep love. Jesus loved Lazarus and raised him from the dead to show His power. Likewise, He will raise both Lazarus once more – and each of us – in the final day because He has absolutely won that battle and has that power! Jesus has defeated sin and the grave and nothing, absolutely NOTHING, can separate us from His love. This is the REAL Lazarus effect, one lasting into eternity and one with a true FIVE STAR rating after all.
Pastor Sam
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