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I love the DVD "Finding Faith in Christ." This morning, we watched the portion that shows when Jesus Christ raised Lazarus from the dead. In the New Testament, this story is told in John 11. It is significant that this miracle occured not long before Jesus Christ Himself was crucified and resurrected. It bears testimony of the power He has over death. There are two quotes we read as a class that help us understand why Lazarus was allowed to die.

First, by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

“Why this studied buildup, this centering of attention upon one of the mightiest miracles of his ministry? Two reasons in particular stand out. (1) As our Lord neared the climax of his mortal ministry, he was again bearing testimony, in a way that could not be refuted, of his Messiahship, of his divine Sonship, of the fact that he was in very deed the literal Son of God; and (2) He was setting the stage, so as to dramatize for all time, one of his greatest teachings: That he was the resurrection and the life, that immortality and eternal life came by him, and that those who believed and obeyed his words should never die spiritually” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:530–31).

Then, by Elder James E. Talmage:

“No question as to the actual death of Lazarus could be raised, for his demise had been witnessed, his body had been prepared and buried in the usual way, and he had lain in the grave four days. At the tomb, when he was called forth, there were many witnesses, some of them prominent Jews, many of whom were unfriendly to Jesus and who would have readily denied the miracle had they been able. God was glorified and the divinity of the Son of Man was vindicated in the result” (Jesus the Christ, 496).

Thankfully, we know that the resurrection is real. Jesus Christ truly has power over death. We watched a quote from President Monson that he gave in 2001, right after the events of 9/11. He testifies of the reality of the resurrection. In this talk he said powerful and comforting words and quotes from John 11:25-26.

"Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life’s feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness.

"The darkness of death can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth. 'I am the resurrection, and the life,' spoke the Master. 'He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.'

"This reassurance—yes, even holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace promised by the Savior when He assured His disciples: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'

"Out of the darkness and the horror of Calvary came the voice of the Lamb, saying, 'Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.' And the dark was no longer dark, for He was with His Father. He had come from God, and to Him He had returned. So also those who walk with God in this earthly pilgrimage know from blessed experience that He will not abandon His children who trust in Him. In the night of death, His presence will be 'better than [a] light and safer than a known way.'"

You may have noticed, at LDS funerals, we often learn about the Plan of Salvation. That's because we believe that knowing the Plan of Salvation, and understanding that death is part of the plan, can help us feel comfort and peace. Knowing that Jesus Christ has power over death, that we will all be resurrected, and can be reunited, gives us hope.