There lived in the town of Bethany of Judea a family that Jesus dearly loved. One day, death cast its heavy shadow over this household. Word had been sent to Jesus to come quickly, yet Jesus waited. The tradition of the Jews was that the spirit of one dead remained near its body for four days before proceeding on to its eternal home. Jesus wanted to show that His power was not subject to tradition. So He purposefully waited till the four days were past. Meanwhile, the family continued to mourn for their beloved brother whom they believed would not be with them again in this life.