[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 11
Bible Verses:
“When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)
“ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”” (John 11:25-27)
“ Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)
“ Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)
THE DEATH OF LAZARUS (vs. 1-16)
Lazarus was the brother of Mary, who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. He was sick so Mary and his sister Martha sent word to inform Jesus. Instead of going to see him immediately, Jesus stayed for another two days. When Jesus told his disciples that Lazarus was dead but he was going there to raise him up, the disciples forbid Jesus to go because the Jews tried to stone him there. But Thomas said to the rest of the disciples: “Let us go that we may die with him: (v. 16)
JESUS COMFORTS THE SISTERS (vs. 17-27)
Upon reaching there, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for 4 days. Many Jews were there to comfort Martha and Mary. when Martha saw Jesus, she said to him: “If you have been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even God will give you whatever you ask” (v. 23). Jesus assured her that her brother will rise again. He said: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (*v. 35).
Martha went to tell her sister Mary that Jesus is here. Mary go up and went to Jesus. She fell at his feet and said: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died”. When Jesus saw people weeping, He was move with compassion. He also sept.
JESUS RAISES LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD (vs. 38-44)
When Jesus reached to tomb, he told them to take away the stone. But Martha said that there is bad odor for he had been there 4 days. Jesus said: “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?” (v. 40). Then Jesus pray to the Father and called in a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out”. Lazarus came out and Jesus told him to take off the grave clothes.
THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS (vs. 45-57)
Many people who saw the miracle believe in Jesus. But some reported to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. The Pharisees were afraid that if everyone believe in him, the Romans will come and take away their place and nation. So they plotted to take his life. Jesus then withdrew to a village called Ephraim.
HOW DID JESUS MANIFEST HIS LOVE TO THE BETHANY FAMILY?
- He heard their request (vs. 4-5)
- He waited to bring a greater blessing to them (v. 6)
- He risked his life to return to Judea (v. 7, 16)
- He comforted them with assurance (v. 23)
- He wept and identified with their sorrow (v. 35)
- He raised him to life (v. 43)
LIFE APPLICATION:
- If you have problems in life that need extraordinary help, do not hesitate to ask assistance from Him.
- Sometimes delay brings greater blessings. God’s delay are not God’s denials. Submit to God’s timing because he will meet our needs according to his perfect schedule and purpose.
- Thomas the “doubter” demonstrated his love and courage when he decided to go with Jesus despite of dangers. Doing god’s work have unknown dangers but we should remain loyal to Him.
- Martha professed her deep faith when she said: “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world” (v. 27). We must also have great faith in God.
- Jesus had experienced sorrows and frustrations. So we must not be afraid to reveal our true feelings because He cares enough to weep with us in sorrow.
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