August 13: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   August 13, 2025

The Power of Love: Love for God and others is the foundation of a transformed life.

Wednesday Verse

Three things will last forever–faith, hope, and love–and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

How can I intentionally show love to someone in need this week, reflecting the transformative power of love in my life? In what ways can I prioritize love for others, knowing that love is the greatest virtue that will endure forever?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is amazing. Of course, it was initially heartbreaking for his sisters, and in fact, it was certainly hard for Jesus to see His good friend die. There are two aspects of this story that intrigue me. First is in verse 33 where the New Living Translation says, “When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.” John 11:33 (NLT) Later in verse 38, we see Jesus upset again, the NLT translates it as “angry.” Context matters, and we need to be careful not to assume Jesus is upset at the people who were mourning. Two things could explain Jesus’ anger or, as the New International Version says, “deeply moved in spirit.” First, Jesus is upset about the impact of sin and the pain and suffering – anger and indignation are appropriate for sure. In addition, William Hendrickson says, “The intense emotion which surged in the heart of the Lord comprised at least one other element besides indignation. It went beyond anger and included more than this. The entire setting clearly indicates that it also included sympathy. In fact, the immediate context does not even mention sin. It speaks only about the weeping of Mary and of the Jews, and we are given the impression that it was this weeping which led to his weeping (cf. 11:33, 34 with 11:35). The context, therefore, is one of sympathy rather than one of anger.” New Testament Commentary – John. This is where using a few different translations can really help.

The second thing that stands out to me is that Lazarus’ resurrection immediately makes him a target for Jesus’ enemies. Later, we read, “Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.” John 12:10-11 (NLT) Lazarus was given his life back, but it was for a purpose, and it would be dangerous. His being given new life wasn’t so he could play pickleball, but to be a witness for God who loved and saved him. Later on, like all of us, Lazarus would die physically (we don’t know the cause or when) and enter a new, forever life. God may grant us healing, but it isn’t guaranteed. Like we see with Lazarus, if He does it is because there is work He still has for us here on earth.

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org