DAY #163: John 11:1-16

The Gospels tell us that Jesus raised a few folks from the dead, including Jairus’s daughter (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:41-42; Luke 8:40-56) and a widow’s son (Luke 7:11-17). These people represent a cross section of ages and social backgrounds to whom Jesus gave back human life. All of them, including Lazarus, were raised but eventually died again.

Lazarus’s story stands out because John used it as a sign of Jesus’ ultimate life-giving power and a picture of his own coming resurrection. And, as with all the miracles recorded in this gospel, it glorifies God. From John’s perspective, this miracle was the turning point; it caused the Jewish leaders to take final and decisive action against Jesus.

When Jesus heard of Lazarus’s sickness, he said it will not end in death. He knew Lazarus would die, but the end of the story would not be death. When God’s time came, Jesus headed back into Judea to be with his dear friends in their sorrow. God’s timing is always perfect, whether in guiding his Son through his ministry on earth, or in guiding us today and answering our prayers.

The disciples couldn’t understand why Jesus would want to go into Judea, when the Jewish leaders there just recently had been seeking to kill him. Why leave a place where people believe in you and welcome you to go back to certain death? But Jesus was not afraid, for He knew that He had to die and that His death would only occur in the Father’s timing.

The disciples missed Jesus’ meaning when he said, “Lazarus has fallen asleep.” They assumed he was getting better. Jesus explained: “Lazarus is dead.” Lazarus died so that Jesus could show His power over death to his disciples and others. He would go and wake him up, thus giving the disciples another opportunity to believe in a greater way. The raising of Lazarus displayed Christ’s power—the resurrection from the dead is a crucial belief of Christian faith. Jesus not only raised himself from the dead, but he also has the power to raise others.

We often remember Thomas as “the doubter” because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection. But he also loved the Lord and was a man of great courage. The disciples knew the dangers of going with Jesus to Jerusalem, so they tried to talk him out of it. Thomas merely expressed what all of them were feeling. When their objections failed, they were willing to go and even die with Jesus. They may not have understood why Jesus would be killed, but they were loyal. We may face unknown dangers in doing God’s work. It is wise to consider the high cost of being Jesus’ disciple.

Although we get many glimpses of Jesus’ compassion throughout the Gospels, His tender conversations with Mary and Martha are the most moving. His words reveal patient pastoral concerns. Elsewhere we see him confront people with the truth; here we see him console as the gentle Master. Jesus did not ridicule or belittle grief. He affirmed our need for comfort by providing it to the sisters without hesitation. It is a tribute to the family that many from Jerusalem came to Bethany to pay their respects and offer their support to the sisters.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Once again, I am humbled by the Life of Jesus. He is always at peace with the circumstances of life that He finds Himself in. No angst, no worry, no stress, no restlessness. Complete peace with the Father's timing of events in life. Oh Lord, would You do that kind of work in my heart everyday. Remind me of Your power and Your timetable and let me driven by that.

Remind me that Your plans needs to take priority and precedence over my plans. Fill my heart with the peace of Christ.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Lord, be with the Redmon family. Be with Miss Martha. These are faithful servants of Yours. Give them this same peace of Christ today. Comfort them. Protect them. Cast their minds and hearts and eyes upon you.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)