Short Devotional about
Lazarus – John 11:1-44
Introduction
Have you ever faced a situation that seemed utterly hopeless? A moment when it felt like all was lost? The story of Lazarus in John 11:1-44 is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to bring life and hope even in the bleakest circumstances. Jesus didn’t just perform a miracle when He raised Lazarus from the dead; He demonstrated His power over death and His deep compassion for us. This story is an invitation to trust in His timing and to believe in miraculous possibilities.
As we delve into this passage, let it inspire you to see that there is no circumstance too grave for God to transform. Your challenges may be great, but His power is greater. Let this be a moment of encouragement and renewal for your faith.
Bible Verse
John 11:25-26 (NIV): "Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’"
Meaning
The story of Lazarus is more than just an account of a miraculous resurrection. It offers insights into Jesus’ identity as the resurrection and the life. By bringing Lazarus back from the dead, Jesus showcased His divine authority and foreshadowed His own resurrection. This passage reveals that faith in Jesus transcends physical death, offering eternal life to those who believe.
Jesus’ actions illustrated His empathy and deep connection with human sorrow. He wept with those mourning Lazarus, demonstrating that our emotions matter to Him. His compassion coupled with His power brings comfort to our hearts, reminding us that He meets us in our suffering and can turn it into glory.
Moreover, the delay in Jesus’ arrival after hearing Lazarus was sick teaches us about the importance of God’s timing. His delays are not denials; they’re opportunities for His greater glory to be revealed. This narrative beckons us to trust in His perfect timing and infinite wisdom.
Actions to Take
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Trust in God’s Timing: Believe that delays in your life are opportunities for God’s glory to shine through.
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Embrace Jesus’ Identity: Reflect on Jesus as the resurrection and the life, allowing this truth to deepen your faith.
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Seek God in Sorrow: Turn to Jesus with your pains and sorrows, knowing He empathizes and desires to comfort you.
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Invite God into Hopeless Situations: Pray for divine intervention in areas of your life that seem beyond hope.
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Share Stories of God’s Faithfulness: Encourage others by sharing ways God has brought life and hope to seemingly dead situations.
Journal Prompts
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When have you experienced a delay that later revealed a greater purpose?
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How can embracing Jesus’ identity as the resurrection transform your current struggles?
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What hopeless situation in your life needs God’s resurrection power?
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Reflect on a time when Jesus’ compassion brought you comfort.
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How can you share the story of Lazarus to inspire faith in those around you?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for being the resurrection and the life. Help me to trust in Your perfect timing and to fully embrace the hope that You bring. Comfort me in my sorrow and guide me to see Your hand in every situation. Strengthen my faith and use my life as a testament to Your power and love. Amen.
Social Posts
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"Feeling hopeless? Remember, Jesus turned a funeral into a victory with Lazarus. Trust in His timing and power! #ResurrectionPower #Faith"
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"God’s delays are not denials. Stay strong and watch His glory unfold in your life. #TrustGod #PerfectTiming"
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"Jesus wept with Lazarus’ family, showing us His empathy. He cares deeply for you too. #GodWithUs #CompassionateSavior"
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"In every hopeless situation lies a chance for God’s miraculous intervention. Believe today! #MiracleWorkingGod #Hope"
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"Share your stories of when God brought life to a hopeless situation. Let’s inspire each other! #Testify #GodIsAble"
Conclusion
Lazarus’ story beautifully illustrates the boundless hope and life found in Jesus. Through His power, compassion, and perfect timing, we are reminded that no situation is beyond God’s ability to transform. Embrace these truths, let them breathe life into your faith journey, and share them with others around you.
Thank you for joining us in this devotional study. We invite you to explore more at BGodInspired.com, where you can find encouragement and grow deeper in your faith. Let’s continue to walk this life of faith, inspired by the God of miracles.
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Q&A about
Lazarus – John 11:1-44
Certainly! Here is a Q&A based on John 11:1-44, which tells the story of Lazarus.
Q1: Who was Lazarus and where was he from?
A1: Lazarus was a man from Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha.
Q2: What was the relationship between Jesus and Lazarus’ family?
A2: Jesus had a close relationship with Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. He loved them dearly.
Q3: What message did Mary and Martha send to Jesus?
A3: They sent a message saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick,” referring to Lazarus.
Q4: How did Jesus respond when he heard Lazarus was sick?
A4: Jesus said that the sickness would not end in death, but was for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.
Q5: How long did Jesus wait before going to Lazarus?
A5: Jesus waited two more days before going to Bethany.
Q6: Why were the disciples concerned about going back to Judea?
A6: The disciples were concerned because the Jews there had previously tried to stone Jesus.
Q7: What did Jesus say to illustrate that Lazarus had died?
A7: Jesus initially said Lazarus had “fallen asleep,” but clarified that he was actually dead.
Q8: How did Martha react when Jesus arrived in Bethany?
A8: Martha went out to meet Jesus and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Q9: What did Jesus tell Martha about the resurrection?
A9: Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.”
Q10: How did Mary respond when she saw Jesus?
A10: Like Martha, Mary fell at Jesus’ feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Q11: What was Jesus’ emotional response to seeing Mary and the others mourning?
A11: Jesus was deeply moved and troubled, and He wept.
Q12: What miracle did Jesus perform at Lazarus’ tomb?
A12: Jesus commanded that the stone be removed, called Lazarus to come out, and Lazarus was raised from the dead and walked out of the tomb.
Q13: What did Jesus say before calling Lazarus out of the tomb?
A13: Jesus prayed to the Father, thanking Him for hearing His prayer, so that the crowd would believe that God sent Him.
Q14: What was the reaction of the people who witnessed the miracle?
A14: Many of the Jews who witnessed the event believed in Jesus.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions!
