Short Devotional about
Lazarus – John 11:1-44
Introduction
In a world that often feels darkness closing in, the story of Lazarus stands as a testament to the power of hope, renewal, and the miraculous love of Christ. Each of us faces moments when all seems lost, yet it is in these valleys that Jesus shines His light most brightly, breathing life into our despair. The resurrection of Lazarus invites us to trust that even when the situation seems irreversible, God can transform ashes into beauty and pull back the veil of the tomb to reveal new beginnings.
As believers, we may find ourselves in the waiting—like Martha and Mary—in the in-between seasons where prayers seem unanswered. Thus, the narrative of Lazarus isn’t just a story of resurrection; it’s a call to trust in God’s timing. Today, let’s immerse ourselves in this powerful narrative, allowing it to rejuvenate our spirits and fuel our 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
In the account of Lazarus, we find a profound revelation of who Jesus is— the resurrection and the life. The story begins with a desperate message sent by Mary and Martha to Jesus, their beloved brother is gravely ill. Yet Jesus, in His omniscience, chooses to remain where He is for two more days. This delay is puzzling, but it’s a crucial part of the lesson He aims to teach.
Jesus’ conversation with Martha is central to understanding His identity. By affirming that He is the "resurrection and the life," Jesus makes a bold declaration of His divine nature. His power is not bound by physical limitations or constrained by time; He transcends human understanding, and through His resurrection of Lazarus, He makes tangible His authority over life and death.
Lazarus’ resurrection is ultimately a precursor, a shadow of the greater victory that Jesus Himself will secure over death. It challenges us to believe beyond what we can see and trust in the God who is never late but perfectly on time. For Mary and Martha, Jesus’ arrival knocks on the doors of their grief with an invitation to redefine their understanding and trust.
This chapter is an encouragement that faith coupled with divine action results in miracles—our God specializes in reviving dead situations. The question He poses is straightforward yet profound: Do you believe this? It beckons each of us toward deeper faith and assurance in the Savior who holds all authority.
Actions to Take
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Reflect on God’s Timing: Write down situations where you feel like God is delaying and remind yourself of how He’s shown up in the past.
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Strengthen Your Faith: Participate in faith-building activities such as joining a Bible study group or reading testimonies of miracles.
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Pray Expectantly: Commit to praying for areas in your life that need resurrection and approach each prayer with expectation.
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Share Stories of Hope: Be intentional in sharing your faith journey and stories where you’ve witnessed God’s miraculous power.
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Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Friends: Engage with others who encourage and strengthen your faith, especially during challenging times.
Journal Prompts
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What does trusting God’s timing look like in your current season of life?
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How can you cultivate a resurrection mindset, believing in restoration and hope even when things seem lost?
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In what ways can you be more open to seeing Christ’s power in your everyday life?
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Reflect on a time when you felt God was "too late" but He showed up in ways you didn’t expect.
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What does "I am the resurrection and the life" mean personally to you?
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for being the resurrection and the life. I come to You with areas in my life that need Your touch of life and renewal. Help me to trust Your timing and to hold tightly to the hope of Your promises. Foster in my heart a faith that anticipates Your movement and sees beyond the present circumstances. In all things, I surrender to Your perfect plan. May I be a testimony to others of Your miraculous power and infinite love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
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"When hope seems buried, remember, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Trust His divine timing! #Faith #Hope #Trust"
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"Feel like Lazarus in the tomb? Hold on; Jesus brings life to dead situations. New beginnings await! #NewLife #Believe"
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"Even when God seems delayed, He’s working out something beautiful. Your resurrection is on its way! #TrustHim #GodsTiming"
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"Martha and Mary’s waiting wasn’t in vain. Jesus transforms grief into joy. Believe in His miracles today! #Miracles #HopeRestored"
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"Faith rises even from the grave. Jesus, the resurrection, the life, turns endings into new starts. #FaithJourney #BelieveInMiracles"
Conclusion
The story of Lazarus is more than a historical event; it is a living invitation to trust in Jesus with all our heart. It assures us that what seems like the end, may very well be the beginning of something profoundly new with Christ. Let the lessons from Lazarus guide you in trusting God’s timing, expecting His miracles, and living out the faith that echoes beyond yourself to those around you.
Continue to join us for deeper insights and encouragement as we explore more transformative passages at BGodInspired.com, where every story in His word becomes a roadmap to living in faith, hope, and love.
Explore and dig up answers yourself with our BGodInspired Bible Tools! Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 
Q&A about
Lazarus – John 11:1-44
Certainly! Here is a Q&A based on the account of Lazarus in John 11:1-44:
Question 1: Who was Lazarus, and where did he live?
Answer: Lazarus was a man who lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. They were close friends of Jesus.
Question 2: Why did Mary and Martha send a message to Jesus?
Answer: Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus to tell Him that their brother Lazarus was sick, hoping that Jesus would come and heal him.
Question 3: How did Jesus initially respond to the news of Lazarus’s illness?
Answer: Jesus said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." He stayed two more days where He was before deciding to go to Bethany.
Question 4: What was the reaction of the disciples when Jesus decided to go to Judea again?
Answer: The disciples were concerned because the Jews there had recently tried to stone Jesus, and they warned Him about the danger of returning.
Question 5: How long had Lazarus been in the tomb by the time Jesus arrived in Bethany?
Answer: By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.
Question 6: What did Martha say to Jesus when He arrived?
Answer: Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You."
Question 7: How did Jesus reassure Martha?
Answer: Jesus told Martha, "Your brother will rise again." Martha acknowledged the resurrection at the last day, but Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life."
Question 8: What was Mary’s reaction when she saw Jesus?
Answer: Mary fell at Jesus’ feet, weeping, and said, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died."
Question 9: Describe Jesus’ emotional response upon seeing Mary and the others weeping.
Answer: Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. He wept, showing His compassion and empathy.
Question 10: What command did Jesus give concerning the stone in front of Lazarus’s tomb?
Answer: Jesus commanded, "Take away the stone."
Question 11: What concern did Martha express about removing the stone?
Answer: Martha was concerned that there would be a bad odor because Lazarus had been dead for four days.
Question 12: What did Jesus say in His prayer before performing the miracle?
Answer: Jesus thanked the Father for hearing Him, expressing gratitude that God always hears Him, and He stated that He prayed so that the people standing by would believe that God had sent Him.
Question 13: What did Jesus cry out in a loud voice, and what was the result?
Answer: Jesus cried out, "Lazarus, come forth!" As a result, Lazarus came out of the tomb, bound hand and foot with grave clothes.
Question 14: What instruction did Jesus give after Lazarus came out of the tomb?
Answer: Jesus instructed them to "Loose him, and let him go," so that Lazarus could be freed from the grave clothes.
Question 15: What was the outcome among the people who witnessed this miracle?
Answer: Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what Jesus did believed in Him, recognizing His divine power.
