Tag: Lazarus

More Than Resurrection

More Than Resurrection by Kirk Hunt

But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

John 12:10-12 NKJV
Please also read John 12:1-11 NKJV

Lazarus was not just a witness, but hard evidence. The man was dead. Then buried. Then decayed. Then Jesus raised him from dead. The power to resurrect someone is difficult to deny.

Despite performing the ultimate in miracles, the Chief Priests refused to have faith in Jesus. They were even willing to murder Lazarus, to silence his testimony. Destroying the evidence remains a popular criminal strategy.

Lazarus is not a pathway to salvation. His death, then being raised from the dead, is notable, but does not touch or impact salvation. Lazarus was not a perfect, final sacrifice. He could not atone for anyone’s sins, even his own.

Jesus died. Jesus resurrected. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12 NKJV).

Lazarus was a friend of Jesus. I assume he possessed redeeming qualities. Lazarus has no part in your salvation. Silencing him could not stop the ministry of Jesus.

Perhaps you are a great Christian witness. You might be evidence of the power of Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus is still the only path to salvation.

Jesus was the perfect, final sacrifice. He atoned for your sin, and especially mine. It is only by His Name men and women can be saved.

Think: Only Jesus gives salvation to men and women.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for the set and sure path to salvation through Jesus Christ.”

Copyright © March 2026, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Because You Live

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Because You Live” by Kirk Hunt

 

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;  Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

John 12:10–11 KJV

Not just any Jews, but the High Priests, conspired to kill Lazarus.  Why?  The testimony of his simple existence helped to draw and convert the Jewish faithful to Christians.

 

Too often we overlook the simple truths that flow from this passage:  Your life is a testimony.  The power (or weakness) of your testimony flows from the truth you live.  All alone, truth has inescapable and undeniable power.

 

Scripture does not record that Lazarus ever preached or witnessed.  In his silence, the High Priests knew of him and started writing out death warrants.  Despite the silence of his mouth, Lazarus’ life trumpeted out the power and message of Jesus.

 

Too often, we try to bellow out the message of Jesus in order to win converts.  Not often enough, we let the simple power of His truth shine out of lives.  Lazarus’ silence drew men and women to Jesus.

 

People you have never met are hearing and watching your testimony.   God’s truth does not need your bullhorn or contrived phrases.  All that is needed is for you to eloquently live out your life in Him.

 

There is a time and place to speak your testimony for Jesus.  More often, you simply need to let your life testify for you.  What truth flows from your life?

 

Think: My life is a testimony.  What does my life say?

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out a testimony that honors You.”

 

 

Copyright © April 2012, Kirk Hunt

He Loves Us Still

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“He Loves Us Still” by Kirk Hunt

 

Jesus wept.

John 11:35 KJV

Jesus is the eternal Son of our eternal God.  He has always existed.  He will go on for forever.

 

I agree with those who believe that Jesus involved Himself with God’s people long before His earthly ministry.  Many Bible scholars maintain that the “captain of the Lord’s host” in Joshua 5 was Jesus.  The 4th man in the furnace at Daniel 3 is widely said to be Jesus.

 

There were countless millennia and the untold millions who existed before His earthly ministry.  All that time and all those lives should have given Jesus a deep reserve about the lives of men and women.  The vast time and space from Creation alone should place a deep gulf between God and us.

 

Instead, the sight of Lazarus’ tomb brought our Savior to tears.  Even with His purpose to bring the man back to life.  Despite the limitless power at His command.  Christ cried.

 

He loves you.  He loves me.  In the most human and common sense of the word, He cares about us.  The master of all time and space is moved and impacted by our very human lives.

 

Never think for a moment that He does not feel toward and for you.  Your life matters to Him.  He feels for you.

 

Think:                        Jesus loves me fully, completely and affectionately.

 

Pray:              “Lord, help me to live knowing Your love for me is eternal yet human.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt

Love Without Limits

Read

E-Book PDF: Open in New Window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“Love Without Limits” by Kirk Hunt

 

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.   When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

John 11:5-6 KJV

Martha, Mary and Lazarus had the distinction of being close, intimate friends of Jesus.   You would think that hearing of Lazarus’ illness would have sent Jesus running to his side.  Instead, Jesus deliberately sat for two full days.

 

Verse 4 gives us the rationale for Jesus’ delay.  God would get glory from the situation.  Unfortunately, that meant that Lazarus would have to wait.

 

Missing the funeral was not enough.  Jesus did not arrive until days after the burial.  Jesus waited until the situation became really serious.

 

Perhaps you feel like Lazarus.  You know that Jesus loves and cares for you, but there seems to be a delay.  Despite your faith, you anxiously wait for Jesus.

 

Jesus’ power and love are without limit.  No matter how long He takes, His timing is perfect.  Unfortunately, that means you may have to wait.

 

It does not get more serious than dead and buried.  The living Word undid death for Lazarus.  Jesus does not love you less than Lazarus.

 

His perfect timing is His perfect timing.  No matter what you want, or when, Jesus will get the glory when His power works in your life.  Keep your faith in love that knows no limits.

 

Think: The love of Jesus knows no limits.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me trust your love, power and timing in my life.”

 

 

Copyright © March 2012, Kirk Hunt