The Unstoppable Will of God and the Necessity of Faith in Jesus

In the Gospel of John, the end of the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is not just a testament to His miraculous power but a profound illustration of God’s sovereign will and the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ. This narrative at the end of John 11, invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of belief, the purpose of miracles, and the overarching plan of God for redemption.

Miracles and Belief

The raising of Lazarus is one of the most dramatic miracles recorded in the Bible. Lazarus had been dead for four days, and yet, at Jesus’ command, he walked out of the tomb alive (John 11:43-44). This miracle was witnessed by many, yet it did not lead everyone to faith. The religious leaders, despite acknowledging the signs, refused to believe in Jesus as the Messiah (John 11:47-48). This highlights a critical theological theme: miracles alone are not sufficient for genuine faith. As Jesus Himself said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). True faith requires belief in Jesus’ person and His saving work, not just His miraculous acts.

God’s Sovereign Plan

The plot of the religious leaders to kill Jesus, as recorded in John 11:53, ironically fulfills God’s redemptive plan. Caiaphas, the high priest, unknowingly prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation and gather the scattered children of God (John 11:49-52). This reflects the unstoppable will of God, who uses even the actions of His enemies to accomplish His purposes. As Peter later declared in Acts 2:23, Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” This underscores the biblical truth that God’s plans cannot be thwarted, whether by human or even satanic opposition.

The Call to Faith

The story of the religious leaders’ response to the raising of Lazarus challenges us to examine our own faith. Do we merely acknowledge Jesus’ power, or do we truly believe in His person? The call to faith is not just an intellectual assent to facts about Jesus but a personal trust in Him as both Lord and Savior. As John 1:12-13 reminds us, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” What a lofty title and privilege it is to be called children of God! And that, by faith alone in Jesus’ perfect person and perfect work.

Conclusion

The raising of Lazarus and how the various groups of people respond, is a powerful reminder of the necessity of faith in Jesus, the sovereign will of God, and the place that miracles play in inducing (or not inducing) faith. This story calls us to move beyond seeking signs and wonders to a deeper, personal, and experiential faith in Christ, that is focused on Him––the loveliness of His Person, the perfection of His Character, the glorious redemption He’s wrought for us––rather than simply on the power He yields to grant us what we want. As we reflect on this story, may we be encouraged to trust in God’s perfect plan and sovereign power to always fulfill it, and embrace Jesus and the life/hope that He offers, as more than enough.