Every Bible Study 101 class should point out that the chapters, verses, and even the titles of the books of the Bible were labeled by men - long after they were written. In ancient times, the Books (when in written format) were in separate scrolls, save the Torah - which are the first five books of the Catholic and Protestant Bibles.
Research shows that the order of the books, as we now know it, are only partially categorized. Evidently, this was more for the ease of binding the books into one big book that we know as "The Bible". Much of CULTured Christian doctrine is based on the first of Paul's books found after The Acts of the Apostles - Paul's letter(s) to the Romans.
Later, I will explain how the binding of the Bible books led people from "The Way" to "The Roman Road to Salvation" as the core teaching of The Gospel preached by the unCULTured disciples. But, for now, I want you to consider why "Jesus wept" and why the organizers of the Bible felt this short "verse" needed to stand alone.
Although the dead were brought to life in the Old Testament, and Christ "awoke" several in the New Testament, most know the story of Lazarus. In John 11, we start with Lazarus becoming sick. His sisters, Mary Magdalene and Martha sent word out to Jesus for help. Obviously, this is not a story for a "Call on Jesus and He'll be there" series, because Jesus stayed where He was for at least two days!
This is an amazing story on the surface, and so even the CULTural church has good teachings that aren't so superficial. What I found, however, has never been preached as far as I know - and it goes to the very heart of why Jesus wept. As in today's opinion-filled society, the people claimed knowledge of why Jesus was moved by outward appearance, but their guesses were never confirmed.
In verse 33, we have a hint of what the trouble was. Depending on your translation, Jesus was "moved in spirit", "groaned in the spirit", but not "moved by The Spirit" - as often was the case. Perhaps, that disconnection with The Spirit was why Jesus realized the Lazarus was not sleeping, but dead, and was determined to go into dangerous territory to not only raise Lazarus from the dead, but have "Free him of the burial wrappings and let him go. (v.44)"
"He shouted with a loud voice, Lazarus, come out!" - John 11:43
I don't know if it is because our society doesn't pay much focus on the meaning of names or I was called many names as a kid that I'd rather blot it from my memory, but in most of my trips through the Bible, I never paid much attention to names. I've heard some psuedo-etymologists (not to be confused with entomologists, who study insects) who seemed to show-off their understanding of name meanings in the Bible. Whether there is a "Bible Code" or not, is not my area of expertise.
However, even though we read a bit about Jesus' relationships with Mary and Martha - especially Mary - we don't really understand why Lazarus was such a friend to Jesus. That is, until we go into the name of Lazarus.
"Lazarus" is the English name for the Greek "Lazaros". But "Lazaros" was not Greek, he was Hebrew. His Hebraic name was "Elazar", who we know as "Eleazar". Now before going into the meaning of that name, what do we know of those named "Eleazar" from the Old Testament?
In Numbers 3:32, we find that Eleazar was the son of Aaron. He was the chief over the chief of the Levite tribe of Jewish priests. His job was to be an overseer of those who were in charge of the sanctuary. Eleazar was the first for offering incense within the Tabernacle - coming the closest to God since Moses. In Numbers 20, Aaron was not found worthy to enter the promised land, and Moses was ordered by God to strip the garments of Aaron and place them on Eleazar.
There is little said of other Eleazars. In 1 Samuel 7:1, it was Eleazar, son of Abinadab, who was sanctified to keep watch of the Ark of the Covenant when it was returned from the Philistines. The son of Mahli (1 Chronicles 24:28) had no sons. The son of Phinehas (Ezra 8:33) oversaw the weighing of the silver and gold upon return from captivity. In Nehemiah 12:42, Eleazar was one of the priests in the grand reopening of the House of God in Jerusalam. In Matthew 1:15, as in many other places, the name "Eleazar" was included in genealogies of note (In this case, the great great grandfather of Jesus through the line of Joseph).
In today's world, many seek to make a name for themselves. Some go further and seek to make a legacy, and often doing it with "Senior", "Junior", and a sequence of "the first", "second", and so on. There are still some cultures that take stock in naming their children - sometimes a blessing, sometimes not. As an aside, I sure wish there were more similar names in the Bible - too many that are hard to pronounce.
From the son of Aaron to the forefather of Jesus, the name Eleazar is something that is often missed. I suggest you do a study on the son of Aaron for a better understanding of what the priesthood looked like when walking into the Promised Land.
But after four days in the tomb, the rotting corpse "stinketh". When "Jesus wept", He set out to do what was unthinkable - and all the people could think of was how bad it was going to smell?
"Didn't I tell you that if you believe, you would see the Glory of God?"
Before revealing the risen dead, I want you to consider the name of Eleazar (aka Lazarus). Think about the role that was played by those with that name before. Now, the meaning of the name of Eleazar:
"The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2b)" The first Eleazar was the priest of priests and did the work of incense in the Tabernacle - a symbolic gesture of the Spirit of God. Jesus did not weep because of His love or disbelief of the sisters. This is the One who called Peter, "satan". Jesus was a man of action, stillness, and solid character.
You can put some "Grecian formula" on the name, but the old is still there. I am not saying that Lazarus is/was the Spirit of God - and surely not saying this was an allegorical story to be lightly considered. What I am saying is that Jesus wept because, without belief, we do unthinkable things with the Spirit of God.
CULTural and unCULTural Christians, alike, took part in cheering the "God's Not Dead" movie and movement. Although, through centuries of Apologetics and intellectual discussion, the validity of God's existence is often challenged and the history and substance of Christ is argued, little focus is on the Spirit of God.
When we don't get our way, too often we bury and mourn our dead. (Take a moment to think about that)
In the case of Lazarus, he had gotten sick. Not having the "medical innovation" of today, Lazarus died. He was bound in cloths and placed in a grave. The idea of reopening that grave, literally "stinketh".
I might focus on the words, the history, or the intellect of the Bible, but that is because it is hard to explain the reality of the Spirit. It's like trying to explain "why is water wet?", "where does the wind come from or where does it go?", or "how does a seed know how and when to grow in fertile ground?"
What I do know is, without understanding the Spirit of God, much of the CULTural church has pushed the concept aside. Seeing no power from the Spirit (because of ignorance), the Spirit is seen as a frail thing - or sick. Not wanting to deal with sickness, the CULTural has bound the Spirit - much like they have the Bible - and placed the Bound into dark places, hoping It will decay and stay dead forever.
But the UnCULTured Christian calls out to the Lazarus (aka Eleazor, meaning Helper of God), and demands that those who have bound the Spirit to "Loose him, and let him go!" Because we know that the Comforter, the Spirit of God, guides us in our teaching, learning, and remembrance of all that the Messiah has taught.
This is our surrounding protection from the lies of false prophets, false teachers, and false gospels that have infiltrated the hearts, minds, and souls of the Church. Is it no wonder why "the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death ? (John 12:10)"
No, I am not about to break out into some cartoon movie song. But, I do want to leave you with an often said phrase, "Let Go and Let God". I want you to consider what would happen if you would stop playing God, stop judging others, and rating your life in fear. Realizing that you are a searcher among both good and evil people so you need God's Helper to guide you through the chaos.
Don't put God inside a box, and don't put the God within you inside a box either!
I did a lot of history here, with a lot of foreshadowing. Jesus is the Resurrection that is not put off for "The Last Day". Although the story of Lazarus may point to a later date when Jesus would rise from the dead, I want you to consider Who Lazarus represented, that he was risen, and the things that bound him were, and should ever be, removed.