Jesus Raises People from the Dead

Three examples of such a miracle are given in scripture: (1) a person who had just died only minutes before (Mt 9:18-19, 23-26; Mk 5:21-24; 35-43; Lk 8:40-42; 49-56); (2) a person who had been dead for a day or so (Jn 7:11-17); (3) a person who had been dead for over three days (Jn 11:1-57). Think about this as we go through these examples.

Jairus was a ruler in the synagogue at Capernaum. The ruler of the synagogue was the man chosen to care for the physical arrangements of the synagogue services. Today’s equivalent would be the president of the synagogue. They partner with the clergy, oversee the business operations of the synagogue, preside over the governance of the congregation, and serve as the chief financial officer and revenue generator.

This man’s daughter was likely only dead for less than an hour or so because she was sick when Jairus left to get Jesus and had just died when Jesus arrived at his house.

Surely, Jesus knew that the girl had actually died, so why did Jesus say Jairus’ daughter was only asleep? We don’t know for sure. Maybe he was indicating that weeping and mourning for someone who had hope was not necessary. Maybe he was indicating that there is no true death when the Messiah is involved, or her time of death will be so short it will be as if she had been asleep. Maybe he was mocking them for they were insincere in their crying and weeping.

It seems strange, and almost rude, that the mourners laughed at Jesus’ statement. Why did the mourners laugh? These were likely professional mourners. In rabbinic times, funeral processions were led by lamenting female mourners, often professionals. The Mishnah states that "even the poorest in Israel should hire not less than two flutes and one wailing woman" for his wife's funeral. Women also composed elegies that were chanted aloud. Prohibitions against women's voices being heard in public were relaxed for funerary rituals. Therefore, these mourners had no real invested interest in the family. This was just a job to them. Otherwise, they would have been incensed at his statement and not have resorted to laughter.

Why did Jesus tell Jairus and his family not to tell anyone what happened? Maybe he did not want his fame to spread within Israel too quickly as that would overshadow his greater message. Yet, we must realize that keeping such an act silent in such a close-knit group of people would have been nearly impossible.

Why did Jesus only have Peter, James, and John with him when he healed the girl? We don’t know for sure because Scripture doesn’t tell us. Maybe, though, he knew these three would be the leaders of the church after his ascension.

Another example was the raising of a widow’s son. This man was likely dead only a day or so because a body was typically buried as quickly as possible after death because the Jews did not embalm their dead. We don’t know of any necessary reason Jesus would have to go through Nain on his journey from Capernaum. Undoubtedly, he went there to meet this poor widow and decrease her pain. Even if that was not the case, learning she was a widow and no other male sons, this moved him to have compassion on the woman.

She had no husband and now, no son. Typically, the property would go to the next male heir in line. Therefore, she would be dependent upon more distant relatives who may have less of her interest at heart. While during this time, some women did have affluence, this was not typically true of those of agrarian societies with less Roman influence. Even if she was able to own the property, she would not be able to take care of it on her own. And if she sold it, she would have no place to stay. So it was a conundrum. It seems Jesus had a solution to her conundrum that no one would have ever thought possible. Only he could turn sorrow into profound joy.

Next is the resurrection of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus. Why was Jesus away when his close friend died?

It seems Jesus often stayed with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary in Bethany when he came to Jerusalem because the distance between the two cities was only about two miles. He had been teaching in Jerusalem and had several disputes with the Jewish leaders. Discussion became so hot they threatened to stone him. He eventually left to go on the other side of Jordan so things could settle down somewhat. Likely, he considered two miles not far enough away for him to be confronted outside Jerusalem.

So, an important question: did Jesus let Lazarus die? Bethany beyond Jordan (also known as Bethabara) was only 15-20 miles away from the Bethany near Jerusalem where Lazarus lived with Martha and Mary, and this distance could be traveled in a day. If it took the men a day to travel and tell Jesus of Lazarus being sick, and then Jesus waiting two days, and then traveling a day to reach Bethany where Martha and Mary were, then it would mean Lazarus died shortly after the men left on their way to tell Jesus. Lazarus was likely buried on the same day of his death as the Jews did not embalm people, and this occurred in the Springtime when decay would start to settle in quickly. Jesus knew Lazarus was dead as soon as the men told him he was sick.

If Jesus knew this, why did he tarry two days before starting his trip to Bethany and arrive on the fourth day after Lazarus died? Jewish mysticism teaches that a deceased person’s spirit remains around the body for up to three days after death before departing. It was well-known in Israel 2,000 years ago that someone deceased could come back to life during this 3-day period but not afterwards.

The other two examples were within this time period. Jesus wanted to show that he was indeed the Lord of Resurrection. After the spirit left the body and even after decay had set in, he could restore one to perfect health.

How much faith did Mary and Martha have? More than some, but less than likely Jesus expected. They didn’t doubt he was the Messiah and could heal. They were just unsure why he did not do it for their brother who was so close to him. Yet, they obeyed his command even though they did not understand it. That is the definition of faith, is it not?

Again, the Jewish leaders’ hearts were only hardened against Jesus for this feat which was clear only someone from God could accomplish. What was Caiaphas, the high priest, really saying when he said the following to his fellow members of the Sanhedrin: “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish?”

Caiaphas was a Sadducee and held the position of high priest for 18 years. Sadducees held the majority seat in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, over which Caiaphas ruled while he served as high priest. In terms of theology, Sadducees denied the afterlife and any existence of the spiritual world (angels, demons, etc.). Because of these things, they were often at odds with Jesus due to His teachings about humility, heaven, and his own deity.

In addition to his role as high priest, Caiaphas came under the direct authority of the Roman governor (he served under two: Quirinus and Gratus). The governor wielded power to appoint a high priest of his choice. This is why Annas worked hard to keep the high priesthood within his family after he was removed from that position. Caiaphas was his son-in-law. The governor could also use self-serving political influence and take custody of the high priest’s sacred vestments.

Caiaphas therefore had an incentive to keep the Pax Romana, the Roman peace, and help squash any and all insurrections of any kind. He was saying they had to have Jesus killed so that Rome would not take vengeance on them or the people as a whole. Therefore, that is why they plotted to have him arrested. His words, while intending to be their plot became the prophecy of why Jesus actually came to earth so he could die and unite all unto himself.

And what of your reaction? Will you be like Martha and Mary who had enough faith to follow Jesus’ instructions even when they did not understand them only to have joy beyond their imagination, or will you be like Caiaphas who saw only a means to and end in using Christ rather than acknowledging and serving him? He’s waiting for your response. Trust me; go for the joy.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens