Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead for several important reasons: to demonstrate His divine power over death, to strengthen the faith of His disciples and others, and to reveal God's glory. Jesus explicitly said that He allowed Lazarus to die so that people "may believe" in Him as the resurrection and the life. This miracle was a powerful sign showing that Jesus had authority even over death, foreshadowing His own resurrection, and it was meant to deepen the faith of those who witnessed it. Additionally, this event revealed Jesus' divine nature and prepared people for the greater miracle of His own death and resurrection.
Jesus loved Lazarus and his family, and His delay in coming to heal Lazarus was intentional so that His ultimate act of raising him would be a clear demonstration of God's glory. The raising of Lazarus was not just an act of compassion but a deliberate sign to affirm Jesus' identity as the Son of God and to inspire belief among His followers.
Moreover, Jesus' raising of Lazarus intensified the opposition from religious leaders who saw this miracle as a threat, which eventually led to plans to put Jesus to death, a part of His divine mission.
In summary, Jesus raised Lazarus to reveal His power over death, strengthen faith, glorify God, and prepare people for the salvation He would accomplish through His own resurrection.
