Page 10 - April 2023 - Truth & Tidings

ith this “I AM,” Jesus of Naza- prophet and stood on his feet (13:20,21).
reth permanently changed the Even in the life of the Lord Jesus, there
Wbiblical narrative on resur- had been two miraculous raisings already.
rection. Linking Himself with what His Jairus’ daughter and the son of the widow
disciples already knew, He not only paved of Nain were both lifeless until the touch
the way for the fine-tuning of resurrection of the gracious Life Giver restored them
doctrine but, as Carson writes, “Jesus’ to their loved ones with rejoicing (Mar
concern is to divert Martha’s focus from an 5:41; Luk 7:14). Furthermore, after this,
abstract belief in what takes place on the there would be three more resurrections
last day, to a personalized belief in Him within the lifetime of these disciples (Mat
who alone can provide it.” Now, instead 27:50-53; Act 9:40; 20:10).
1
of resurrection being only a concept that But Lazarus’ graveside triumph dif-
gave national and personal hope for the fers from all that came before. It involves
future (cf. Eze 37:11; Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2), many similar elements with an important
it is inseparably tied to the One through distinction: this time physical touch will
whom all of God’s program becomes real- not be involved in releasing divine power.
ity. He who had the firstborn status over Here, His word is the only compelling
all creation would soon become firstborn force, displaying His authority over death.
in the resurrection, “that he might have This miracle illustrates the Lord’s words
the first place in all things” (Col 1:18 JND). in chapter 5, where He boldly states that
However impressive the events at even those in the graves would eventually
Bethany were, we know Lazarus was not hear His voice and “come forth” (vv28-29).
the first person raised from the dead in the That declaration is now displayed in this
Scriptures. Elijah’s widow of Zarephath miracle. The dead cannot resist His word;
(1Ki 17:17-22) and the Shunamite woman they must come forth. So, here we have
in the days of Elisha (2 Ki 4:18-37) both ex- the pattern for resurrections to come; His
perienced the bitter grief of losing a son. In personal presence and His authoritative
each case, Jehovah raised their dead ones word are both involved in bringing forth
through the physical touch of the proph- the dead.
ets. Another reviving took place in the In the resurrection chapter of 1 Cor-
tomb of the prophet Elisha as a dead man inthians, Paul addresses the Sadducee
came into contact with the bones of the types by laying out the consequences
¹ D.A. Carson, The Gospel According to John of their false teaching. “If Christ be not
(Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1991), 412. raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in

106 TRUTH kTidings April 2023