"When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” (John 12:9-11 ESV)
Lazarus was healed in the most dramatic and miraculous of ways. No one other than Jesus could take credit for what happened. Lazarus had no room for self-congratulation on resuscitating his body. Every human effort had failed Lazarus and, at the pinnacle of human impotence, Jesus displayed the power of God to roll back death and bring new life.
What happened next for Lazarus seems only natural—he became famous. Can you imagine the type of questions people wanted to ask Lazarus? Can you imagine the skepticism he faced? Can you imagine his responses? In other words, Lazarus’ healing drew people to him and God’s work in Lazarus’ life cultivated curiosity in others about Jesus. Lazarus’ resurrection not only gave him new light but also shed light for others to see more clearly who Jesus was.
This is one of the goals of biblical counseling—as our clients heal and experience God’s work, this change pours out into others around them. Their healing is not just for them, but rather it's meant to be shared so that others might glimpse the wonders of God in His children. Part of our client’s healing and growth will include passing on what they have received and showing others what God has done.
Like Lazarus, when our clients begin to share what God has done, they must be ready for opposition. When the light of the gospel shines through their words and actions, darkness will take notice. The enemy will seek to silence and shadow God’s work. When progress is made and God’s children are encouraged, the enemy is provoked. So may we help our clients display the grace of God in their lives. May we help them see that their blessing is not just for themselves, but for the family of God. And may we prepare them well for the battle ahead. The enemy will resist, but the light of the gospel will not be stopped.
