Start off with reading John 10:40-11:46. Just a quick refresher: Jesus has left Jerusalem after speaking at the Feast of Dedication moves onto Perea and then Bethany.
While Christ was staying in Perea (this is in January), Lazarus, a dear friend and follower of Christ became very sick and died. However, instead of running straight to Bethany, Christ stays in Perea for two more days. This story of Lazarus teaches us a couple of things about God. First of all, that God's ways are not our ways and that we cannot always understand God's actions or why or when He does certain things, but we can rest in the assurance that what He does is perfect and the best option for us.
Before we continue on with the story, let's look at the disciples' reaction here to Christ. First of all, in verse 8, they show a lack of courage, because if they believed that Jesus truly was who he said he was, then they wouldn't be afraid to go any where he said. We also see a lack of understanding from the disciples in verse 12. They don't quite get Christ's "drift" when he said that Lazarus was sleeping and it takes Christ spelling the situation out to them. We also see a lack of faith in Christ's power and plan in verse 16. Again, if Christ was who he said he was, then he was in complete control of the situation and Thomas would understand that and not automatically assume that he was going to lose control and die.
So, Christ and the disciples moved onto Bethany. Martha meets with Christ and displays immense wisdom since the last time she was discussed in the scriptures. She shows faith in Christ and his power in verses 23-27, but she still has her limits and is convinced that Lazarus is beyond healing. There's a reason for this. The Jews believed that the soul of the deceased wandered around the tomb for three days before leaving the earth. This is why Martha and Mary both say if only he had come sooner, then Lazarus could have been saved. They are convinced that this is it for Lazarus. I believe that the reason Jesus waited for so many days was to prove that he truly had power over death and so that no one could claim that Lazarus's soul just rejoined the body.
It's at this point that one of the arguable most well known verses takes place..."Jesus wept." Christ's tears here aren't out of pity for Lazarus or tears for his own loss (really, as God, how much sense would that make?). No, Jesus was crying for the lack of faith around him and the separation of man from God because of sin.
I love how Jesus performs this miracle. There's no show, just his words. And it's important to note that the people moved the stone, but it was Christ's words that moved Lazarus. Only Christ could do this. And this is the final miracle that John records before Christ's resurrection. It shows that Christ is God because of his power over death.
