Remember Downton Abbey – the television series and movies? If you watched this excellent period drama, I’m sure you’ll remember frequent times the Dowager Countess and Cousin Isobel are completely indignant toward one another. Their continual sparring is a unique dimension of their very unusual friendship. So, what exactly is “indignant?” Let’s look at what it means and who uses it.

Indignant!

Indignant is an interesting word with a dramatic meaning! Some dictionary meanings are:

• Expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust.
• Feeling something is offensive.
• Responding as if insulted.

 

Incidentally, did you know “indignant” is referenced in the Scripture story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead? It appears in a footnote from Jn. 11:33b.

The Story Of Lazarus

Jesus loves Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. He often spends time in their home, fellowshipping with them. In fact, He considers them His friends.

You know the story: Lazarus gets sick. The sisters send word to Jesus to come heal him. Yet, what does Jesus do? Strategically, He lingers where He’s at – on purpose – for a couple more days. An interesting response to a cry for urgent help, don’t you think?

By the time Jesus sets out for Lazarus’ house, he’s already dead. Matter of fact, he’s been in the tomb four days! And the sisters are very upset. In fact, you get the hunch they might feel somewhat indignant about how Jesus responds to their urgent cry for help. Subsequently, they are consumed in sorrowful loss. However, this is not where the word, “indignant” is actually used.

Jesus is indignant. In fact, the footnote says, “deeply indignant.”

Upon arrival, Jesus sees weeping, sorrow, and absolute brokenness. Noticeably, His three friends and their companions suffer under the grief process. Scripture says – “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in His spirit and greatly troubled.” (Jn. 11:33)

Later at the tomb, Scripture says again He is deeply moved.

It’s time to reference the footnote. Incidentally, the word indignant in the footnote is a replace option for the word “moved.” In essence, Jesus is indignant about Lazarus’ death. So, what does this mean?

Jesus Is Indignant

Jesus is face-to-face with the injustice, offensiveness, insult, and permanent affects of sin and death on His beloved children. In fact, He’s moved by the wrenching grief humanity is shackled to. Consequently, the loss of a dear friend, Lazarus, to death moves Jesus to indignation.

Let’s plug the definitions for indignant into this scenario.

• Jesus expresses strong displeasure at something unjust – suffering.
• He feels something offensive – death.
• Further, He responds as if insulted – an attack against the Creator and His original design, as well as against His children.

 

Think about this. Wouldn’t you feel displeasure if something unjust happened to your children? Certainly, you’d feel offensive if some threat came against your community. Further, you’d likely be insulted if an attack rose up against your life, your family, or your country.

Imagine yourself in this place. Jesus responds as a man. Plus, He responds as God does. He is God and man. Moved. Indignant!

Jesus’ Response

Incidentally, this is one of the most unique response from Jesus. Remarkably, Jesus experiences indignation – at least according to the footnote.  It seems odd to note, yet understandable. I’m curious. Have you ever considered Jesus to be indignant? Interestingly, His response shows how strongly He’s upset at the plight of His children – His friends. Afterall, He came to earth to correct circumstances that take advantage of His children. Circumstances that make Him feel indignant.

Jesus intervenes for His friends. He says, “Lazarus, come out!” (Jn.11:43) Lovingly, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Decisively, He overcomes one of the most devastating forces that rises against His beloved friends. Death! It’s a stunning statement of how much God detests the dismal reality of sin and death that His precious human children are locked into. He is indignant.

Interestingly, this story is quite literally a statement from God’s own heart about the sorrow of humanity. As Jesus presses forward to finish His assigned task from God, He immerses Himself into human suffering. Afterall, it’s His responsibility to carry out a culminating, long-term provision – for all eternity and for all people – at the cross. Yes, Jesus is indignant. So indignant, He allows Himself to be nailed to a tree!

Jesus is “moved” by your sufferings and losses every day. He cares. Equally, He’s indignant at how this broken life has affected your life.

What Does This Mean?

This miracle is an Easter egg. (A peek into what comes next.) Raising Lazarus is a precursor to whet your appetite for what’s coming. Jesus, “Man of Sorrow,” takes on the sorrow, grief, condemnation, sin, and brokenness of your sufferings to lift the permanent sting away.  And then He pushes forward with steeled resolve to the cross to raise up any person who believes on Him.

People face the reality of sin and death continually. However, when Jesus returns to earth again, this will change forever.

Meanwhile, Christ’s work on the cross gives freedom from bondage, hope in grief, and wholeness instead of brokenness. Subsequently, this freedom filters into everyday details. Now you can:

• Have power over debilitating patterns of stress and worry.
• Eliminate fear and insecurity.
• Set aside arrogance, self-centeredness, and self-directed agendas.
• Let go of the need to understand, see, or contemplate before simply trusting God.
• Overcome laziness and procrastination that pushes positive results away.
• Exercise courage to crush unhealthy habits from taking hold.
• Have power to forgive and overcome anger.
• Draw close to the living God with intimate relationship.
• Live in peace and joy – no matter what your circumstances.
• Cry out to God for intervention, provision, comfort, and companionship.
• And so much more.

 

So, this miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead represents two things:

1. Resurrection sets all people free forever – if they believe on Jesus and obey Him.
2. Success in everyday issues – if you trust and obey Jesus. 

 

Of course, to live inside this miracle means you must do something first. Surrender your life to God’s excellent agenda in every daily detail.

There’s More Treasure In The Story

Jesus responds in additional interesting ways in this story. In fact, it’s packed with unique, fresh perspective that provides connection to God and teaching points on how to live. Consider the creative strategies Jesus uses to address people’s sorrows, losses, and brokenness.

Also, consider these Scriptures from the same story –

• “Jesus wept.” (v. 35) Jesus weeps over your sufferings.
• “Take away the stone.” (v. 39a) God has authority over whatever blocks your success and keeps you trapped.
• “Did I not tell you that if you believe you would see the glory of God?” (v. 40) He wants you to believe and experience His glory.
• “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.” (v. 41b) Jesus invites you to follow His example. Declare you know the Father hears your cries and petitions. Simply trust Him.
• “He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ ” (v. 43b) Powerfully, Jesus commands death to comply to His authority. Additionally, He gives you authority to triumph over things that pull you into the grave of inaction.
• “Unbind him, and let him go.” (v. 44c) Remarkably, His command is to set you free!

 

It’s noteworthy that living in God’s glory does not happen before you engage faith. In fact, it’s more like this – –

TRUST FIRST! Then grow in UNDERSTANDING!

Keep Things In Order

Perspective matters. Adopt God’s perspective to keep things in order. Jesus says, “If you love Me, you will obey Me.” (Jn. 14:15)

Interestingly, you prove you love God by simply obeying Him – even before you understand or make sense of things. Rather than trying to figure things out, trust God. Obey Him. Reverence Him. Worship Him.

Why not keep things in order and put your confidence in Jesus – the One who satisfies His indignation against evil? He out-strategized the enemy and demolished the power of sin and death that cheats His friends. Yes, Jesus is indignant!

Application Thoughts And Questions

1. Did you know Jesus feels indignant about your suffering?
2. Do you believe He will raise you up like Lazarus?
3. What keeps you from trusting God first – before you get all the pieces you want to know?
4. Consequently, how will you address any lack of faith first?
5. God truly cares about your situation, your sufferings, and your very life. Why not turn to Him with “abandon” and simply give yourself to His purpose for your life? Remember, Jesus is indignant on your behalf!
6. What perspectives do you need to change about God in order to have a healthy relationship with Him?
7. Is there anything you need to be indignant about? Something around you? Will you handle your indignation with strength, grace, mercy, and problem-solving – like Jesus?

 

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.