Why did Jesus allow Lazarus to die? Why did he wait two more days before going to Bethany to display his power over death? The short answer is it was all part of God’s plan.
Jesus, the Son of Man, had to experience the profound loss death creates for us. It explains, in part, why we are so easily tempted and prone to sinfulness. We cannot understand death being defeated. Death comes for all flesh. But Jesus has authority over both sin and death. Believe it!
Bethany, near Jerusalem, was close enough for eye-witnesses of Lazarus’ resurrection to report back to the religious leaders. Jesus knew Mary, Martha, & Lazarus well. We get the impression he stayed at their home whenever he was in the area, and here is what we know. Martha complained to Jesus about doing housework, while Jesus supported Mary’s decision to stay and listen to him. Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive nard, and then dried his feet with her hair. The crowd acknowledged Jesus loved Lazarus, because he was deeply moved by his death. Lazarus was in the tomb long enough for stench and decay to start, and Lazarus obeyed when Jesus commanded him to rise and come out. Witnesses told the scribes and Pharisees what happened, who responded not by praising God but rather by jealously wanting Jesus killed to stop the spread of his ministry and miracles.
The believers are about to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a colt, placing cloaks and palm leaves on the ground before him, yelling “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!” The jealous are about to arrest him, try him in a kangaroo court, and murder him. I believe. Do you?
Grace & Peace, Charles