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Father had `sent' the Son; that the Son was doing the Father's will and work; that the
Son could see and hear the words and actions of the Father, and followed them. All these
things are written that we may be sure of the divine identity and authority of the Son
without impairing His role on earth in the Father's plan.
Having said this we return to the scene at the tomb where Christ asks for the stone to
be rolled away and at which point He addresses a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father:
"Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me. And I knew that Thou hearest Me
always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that
Thou hast sent Me. And when He had thus spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus,
come forth. And he that was dead came forth" (11: 41-44).
The words of this prayer and its outcome give point to what I have tried to convey in
the two previous paragraphs. The verses underline the close association and mutual
glorification (proving or vindication) of Father and Son in demonstrating to mankind the
way of resurrection to eternal life.
Confirmation of the fact of this miracle is found in the reaction of our Lord's enemies,
these agents of Satan:
"Caiaphas . . . . . said . . . . . Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient
for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not"
(John 11: 49, 50).
Satan using Caiaphas was seeking to break God's word of prophecy by accomplishing
the premature death of Christ on a false reason for saving the nation. Note however, how
this enemy of God was still held as it were in a voice to prophesy in truth the words God
intended to be spoken:
"And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that
Jesus should died for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also that He
should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad" (11: 51, 52).
Compare Numb. 22: 38 for another example of an unwilling prophet having to
speak the words God gave him. Caiaphas did not of course realize the aspect of truth in
his statement.
It is of interest to see what N.T. texts reveal of the opinion or belief held at that time
concerning resurrection:
"Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again, Martha saith unto Him, I know that
he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day" (John 11: 23, 24).
"And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said,
We will hear thee again of this matter" (Acts 17: 32).
"For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the
Pharisees confess both" (Acts 23: 8).
"Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you (king Agrippa), that God should
raise the dead?" (Acts 26: 8).