When life gets tough, it’s easy to feel like it’s over. But with God, the end is never the end. That’s the message we can take from the story of Lazarus in John 11, which shows us that even in the darkest moments, Jesus is still at work. Today, let’s dive into this powerful story and discover how Jesus invites us to bring Him our pain so that He can bring us hope and healing.
Introduction: A Moment of Comeback
Back in 2022, not long after we moved to Lawrence, Kansas, I attended my first KU basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse. It was incredible—KU defeated Iowa State, and I instantly understood why people raved about the Fieldhouse experience. That year, KU went on to make NCAA history, coming back from a 15-point halftime deficit to win the national championship against North Carolina. It was the largest comeback in NCAA championship history.
Much like KU’s thrilling comeback, there are moments in life when it seems like it’s over. But when God is involved, it’s not over until it’s over. This truth can be found in the story of Lazarus, a man whose story was thought to be over—until Jesus stepped in.
Facing the Tomb: The Story of Lazarus
In John 11, we learn about Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, who sent word to Jesus that their brother was gravely ill. Yet, Jesus didn’t rush to Lazarus’ side. Instead, He waited two days before making the journey, and by then, Lazarus had already died.
When Jesus arrived, Martha, ever the practical one, met Him first. Mary followed, devastated by grief. Jesus wept with her. By the time they reached the tomb, Jesus was “deeply moved,” a mix of sadness and righteous anger over death’s grip on humanity.
Standing before the tomb, Jesus asked for the stone to be removed. Martha objected—Lazarus had been dead for four days, and she was afraid of the stench. But Jesus reminded her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Removing the Stone: Reopening Old Wounds
Martha’s hesitation to remove the stone wasn’t just about practicality—it symbolized her struggle to move forward after her brother’s death. She had already buried Lazarus and rolled the stone across the tomb, signifying that it was over. Opening the tomb meant reliving that pain all over again.
How often do we, like Martha, resist reopening old wounds? We bury our pain, convincing ourselves it’s over. Yet, Jesus may ask us to “remove the stone” from our past hurts, not to bring us more pain but to heal us fully. Sometimes, we must reopen those wounds to give Jesus access to our deepest hurts.
Faith Over Facts: Trusting Jesus in the Impossible
Martha’s concern was real—she feared the stench of death. But Jesus urged her to have faith, reminding her of the promise she had already professed: that He is the resurrection and the life.
It’s easy to get so focused on the facts of a situation that we forget to have faith. We allow the weight of our circumstances to overshadow our belief that Jesus can still work miracles. Yet, like Martha, we must remember that even when things look over, Jesus may be up to something greater than we could imagine.
Lazarus, Come Out: A Miracle That Points to More
When the stone was rolled away, Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus, wrapped in burial clothes, walked out of the tomb. It was a moment of pure astonishment—proof that it wasn’t over, despite all appearances. Jesus brought life where there was death.
This miracle didn’t just restore Lazarus; it pointed to the greater miracle of Jesus’ own resurrection. Not long after, Jesus would face His own tomb, and on the third day, He would rise, conquering death for all of us.
Conclusion: Jesus Has Power in Your Story
The story of Lazarus is a reminder that Jesus has the power to step into our pain, our hopelessness, and our “dead” situations. When we think the stone has been rolled over our story, Jesus invites us to trust Him and believe that it’s not over until He says it’s over.
No matter what you’re facing today, have faith that Jesus can take what seems dead and bring it back to life. Let’s allow Him to step into our lives, remove the stone, and display His glory.
