our share of miracles

John 11:1-54

Lazarus died and many mourned his death including his sisters, Mary and Martha. Even though she greaved, Martha went out to visit Jesus. As they conversed, it was plainly evident that Martha had a great testimony of the divine mission of Jesus as the Messiah or Christ.

"Jesus wept." This is one of my favorite scriptures, because it shows the compassion Jesus has for all people. He knew He would raise Lazarus and did not weep from grief over him. He wept for the broken hearts of the people.

When Jesus told them to remove the stone, Martha's faith weakened a bit not quite believing that Lazarus would rise. Jesus reminded her to keep her faith. Since faith precedes miracles, He expects the same of us.

At the moment of raising Lazarus, Jesus prayed unto the Father. Showing they two separate beings but also showing that He had a close relationship with the Father. Likewise, we can pray often and expect answers; we can develop this type of relationship with the father.

Lazarus was not the first raising, but his resurrection was different than the daughter of Jarius or the son of the widow of Nain. They were raised soon after their bodies and spirits had separated. They had not been put in burial clothing or tombs. Lazarus death was four days before he was raised. 

The miracle of Lazarus demonstrates the divinity of Jesus and the truthfulness of His mission. Many that witnessed the miracle believed, but strangely some did not. Miracles only strengthen the testimonies of those willing to believe. Those with hard hearts will not believe even with divine proof. When I read of Lazarus or the daughter of Jarius or the son of the widow of Nain, my testimony is strengthened.

I know Jesus is the Christ. I know he atoned for my sins. But I am also sad. I so wanted my little Katie to stay in our home instead of returning to the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus. I once was in a musical devotional and sang a song where Jarius sang had you been here my daughter would not have died. The first time the words came out of my mouth in rehearsal, I wept bitter tears. I know the feelings of the loved ones of these three departed. I wanted Jesus to come down and give my baby back to me. Since there were different lessons to learn and different missions to fulfill, A miracle was not to be for our family. We have had our share of miracles large and small, but not with our beloved Katie.

“The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to change men’s lives. As he said to the dead Lazarus, so he says to you and me: ‘… come forth.’ (John 11:43.) Come forth from the despair of doubt. Come forth from the sorrow of sin. Come forth from the death of disbelief. Come forth to a newness of life. Come forth” (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1974, 50).