One of my favorite passages of scripture is when, to Mary and Martha’s dismay, Jesus allows Lazarus to die (John 11:1-16). I love it because it’s one of the clearest places in the Bible where God’s purpose and man’s happiness collide. For the sake of God’s glory, Jesus would allow Mary and Martha and Lazarus to suffer deep remorse, for a time, so that his glory would be seen.

Within that passage though, there is a very brief quotation from Jesus that always gives me chills. I’m not sure exactly why. It comes right before Jesus and his disciples finally leave for Lazarus’ grave. John 11:11:

“Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”

To everyone else, Lazarus was absolutely dead. But before this ever happened, Jesus knew that he would be going to restore him to life. For sinners who don’t yet know Jesus, the bible describes them as ‘dead’ spiritually. For all intents and purposes they are just that. But those who will believe, Jesus knows. From his perspective, they are like Lazarus. Merely asleep, waiting to be awakened.