John 11:1-10
Now a man was ill, Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who had anointed the Lord with perfumed oil and dried his feet with her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was ill. So the sisters sent word to him, saying, “Master, the one you love is ill.” When Jesus heard this he said, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was. Then after this he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you want to go back there?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in a day? If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks at night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
Grace Prayed For
The grace to wait patiently on God’s timing. We may not always understand why things happen the way they do or why God doesn’t answer our prayers immediately. May we be granted the patience to trust in His perfect timing.
Faith Amidst Uncertainty
The story of Lazarus’ illness presents us with a powerful message of faith and hope in the face of life’s trials. When Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus about Lazarus’ illness, their message was filled with love and concern. They didn’t directly ask Jesus to heal their brother, but simply stated, “Master, the one you love is ill.” They trusted in Jesus’ love and compassion, leaving the outcome in his hands.
Jesus’ response, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it,” provides us with a profound lesson. It reminds us that even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty, God’s plan is at work. He uses even difficult circumstances to reveal his glory and bring about greater good.
Jesus’ delay in going to Bethany might seem perplexing at first. However, it reveals a deeper truth: God’s timing is not always our timing. He operates according to a divine timetable, and sometimes we must wait patiently for his intervention. During these times of waiting, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God is in control and his love for us is unwavering.
The disciples’ fear of returning to Judea highlights the human tendency to focus on the dangers and obstacles in our path. Jesus’ response, “Are there not twelve hours in a day? If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world,” encourages us to walk in the light of Christ. When we place our trust in him, we can overcome our fears and navigate through life’s challenges with confidence.
The story of Lazarus’ illness teaches us to:
- Trust in God’s love: Even when facing difficult circumstances, remember that God loves you deeply and is always with you.
- Believe in God’s plan: Have faith that God is working everything for good, even when things don’t make sense.
- Wait patiently on God’s timing: Trust that God’s timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t align with your own desires.
- Walk in the light of Christ: Let Jesus be your guide and protector, and you will not stumble in life’s journey.
This story ultimately culminates in the glorious miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection, demonstrating the power of God to overcome even death. It serves as a reminder that with faith in Jesus, we can experience hope and new life even in the darkest of times. Let us hold onto this message of hope and allow it to inspire us in our daily walk with Christ.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Recognizing His Compassionate Love: The narrative showcases Jesus’ deep love for Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. By witnessing His affection for them, we are invited to reflect on His personal love for us, fostering a sense of closeness and belonging.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post