7 Sep (John 11)

The Gospels: The Resurrection of Lazarus

John 11

(v.5) We see Mary and Martha here again, because their brother, Lazarus, is dying. Jesus knew this, and stayed an extra two days in another town, before He went to Bethany. Why did Jesus wait? Was He mean and wanted Lazarus to die and his family suffer? Yes and no.

Jesus used this situation for good...it makes me think of Romans 8:28

(v.15) Jesus tells the disciples the reason for His tardiness to get to Bethany...to show them that He is God who can resurrect the body.

(v.27) When we last saw Martha, she was being told by Jesus that she had the wrong motives for her anger. Now, she is the first to run out to Jesus! Martha was always a believer, and she proves that here by her proclamation who He is!

(v.32) Once again, Mary is at Jesus' feet...the right place for all of us!

(v.35) This is the shortest verse in the Bible! Although it is short, it tells us much about God. Here is the Creator of the universe, who knew all this would happen, yet He is moved by our tears. He is that way now with us, and He longs for us to call out to Him for everything we do!

(v.43) My kids love it when I do this part, since I note that Jesus didn't just say "Come forth"...if He did, ALL the dead would have been raised!!! Jesus wisely said, "Lazarus, come forth!"

(v.48) Like then, and like today, many people who take on authority (whether spiritual or political) can become consumed with the desire for power. The Pharisees were supposed to be helping the people walk with God...instead, they created all these rules that prevented the people from focusing on God.

This relates to Mary and Martha...Mary was doing the right thing by being still when God speaks, and Martha was too worried about doing things...her focus was blurred.