https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.11.17-27.NIV

Of all the miracles that Jesus performed during his ministry, the resurrection of Lazarus is one of the most convincing that Jesus really was and is the Messiah.

We know a God, a friend, a Saviour, that has the ability to conquer death itself. Now, Jesus doesn't do this lightly or casually, this is heart-rending stuff. Jesus is devastated by the news of Lazarus' passing and some might say that it is in His grief that He chooses to perform this miracle. But not so!

A great crowd of people were present. Many knew Lazarus and knew him to have died. They witnessed his burial and were genuinely mourning. In this public arena, Christ shows his true colours and brings life. The people witnessing this could not help but question what had happened. They could not have wondered how this could be. They could only come to one simple conclusion, Jesus really was "the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."

What stories must have come from that one incident. Linked with all the other tales of miracles of healing, of provision and casting out of demons, the teaching and the true wisdom shared, this must have been the icing on the proverbial cake.

It is true, in my experience, that God uses the apparent tragedies of life to bring new hope and new life. This was definitely the case here. Ultimately also when Jesus himself offered himself as a sacrifice for sin, died and rose again. Life comes through Jesus.

If you're facing something tricky at the moment, don't look at the thing that is wrong, look to Jesus, and try to see it through His eyes, so that the glory goes to Him.

Optional meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygeOKX-ZiZY (5 min 20 sec)

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH