In this gospel the last and climactic sign of death-resurrection is the raising of Lazarus. The true motive is boldly stated by Jesus. “It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.” The evangelist uses Lazarus to represent every believer who loves Jesus and is loved by him-whom the Lord will raise up at the last day. Jesus’ words “Take away the stone and unbind him and let him go” also speaks deeply to every believer’s condition. On hearing this the chief priests and Parisees meet to decide what must be done. “It is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish.” Obviously, they feared war with Rome.
In this gospel the last and climactic sign of death-resurrection is the raising of Lazarus. The true motive is boldly stated by Jesus. “It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.” The evangelist uses Lazarus to represent every believer who loves Jesus and is loved by him-whom the Lord will raise up at the last day. Jesus’ words “Take away the stone and unbind him and let him go” also speaks deeply to every believer’s condition. On hearing this the chief priests and Parisees meet to decide what must be done. “It is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish.” Obviously, they feared war with Rome.
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