Short Devotional about
Lazarus – John 11:1-44
Introduction
In the bustling pace of our daily lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with trials and tribulations. Today, let’s journey through one of the most profound stories in the Bible—the raising of Lazarus. This story reminds us not only of Jesus’ ultimate power over death but also His deep compassion for His friends. Are you ready to dive in and explore what this could mean for your life today?
As we immerse ourselves into the account of Lazarus in John 11:1-44, we will uncover the layers of faith, hope, and the miraculous power of love demonstrated by Jesus. Allow yourself to be inspired and uplifted as we peel back the significance and apply it to our own lives.
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 rich with meaning, demonstrating not only Christ’s divine authority but also His profound empathy. Jesus receives word that His dear friend Lazarus is gravely ill. Despite this urgent news, He delays His journey for two days, stating that this sickness will not end in death, but will serve to glorify God.
When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Martha, deeply grieving, meets Jesus with a heavy heart. Jesus reassures her by declaring that He is the resurrection and the life—a statement that holds eternal promise. This not only offers comfort but also challenges Martha to reaffirm her belief in His divine power.
Jesus’ empathetic connection is evident as He weeps alongside Mary and the others mourning Lazarus. His tears show us a Savior who is touched by our sorrows and stands with us in our pain. Finally, with a powerful command, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, demonstrating His sovereignty over life and death.
The raising of Lazarus reminds us that delays in our lives might have divine purposes, intended not to harm us but to bring glory to God. This story is a beautiful mix of divine power and human tenderness, illustrating that with Jesus, even death is not the end.
Actions to Take
– Reflect on your faith: Take time to reaffirm your belief in Jesus as the resurrection and the life.
– Witness through action: Support a friend going through a tough time, embody the compassion Jesus showed to Martha and Mary.
– Trust in God’s timing: Whenever faced with delays or unanswered prayers, remember that God’s timing is perfect.
– Seek deeper intimacy with Jesus: Spend time in prayer and scripture to strengthen your relationship with Him.
– Celebrate small resurrections: Recognize and give thanks for the ‘life-giving’ moments Jesus brings into your daily routine.
Journal Prompts
1. How has God demonstrated His power in your life during times of waiting or delay?
2. What areas of your life need Jesus’ resurrecting power today?
3. When have you experienced God’s compassion during a time of grief or hardship?
4. How can you be an agent of Jesus’ love and hope to someone in need right now?
5. Reflect on a personal ‘resurrection’ story where something in your life was restored or renewed.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being the resurrection and the life. Help me to trust in Your perfect timing, even when I don’t understand the delays. Strengthen my faith and help me to lean on Your compassionate heart during difficult times. Empower me to be a vessel of Your love and hope to those around me. Thank You for the miracles You are working in my life, big and small. I place my trust in You, knowing that You are always with me.
Amen.
Social Posts
1. “Even when it seems like all hope is gone, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Trust in His perfect timing. #Faith #Hope #John11”
2. “Just as Jesus wept with Mary and Martha, He is deeply compassionate about your struggles too. #Compassion #BiblicalTruth #JesusWept”
3. “God’s delays are not His denials; they are His divine appointments. Trust in His timing. #TrustGod #DivineTiming #Lazarus”
4. “Celebrate the small resurrections in your life! Jesus brings life into our daily moments. #Gratitude #LifeWithJesus #Resurrection”
5. “Reflect, pray, and act in faith today—Jesus is with you in every step of your journey. #FaithInAction #DailyDevotion #John11”
Conclusion
The story of Lazarus is a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ mighty power and tender compassion. It encourages us to trust in His divine timing and to hold firmly to our faith, knowing that Jesus brings life and hope even in the darkest moments. Let this devotional serve as an uplifting reminder that with Jesus, nothing is impossible, and through Him, we too can experience resurrection in our lives.
Continue your faith journey with us at BGodInspired.com, where we explore more Bible stories and their meanings to inspire and build your faith. Stay connected and let’s grow together in the love and knowledge of our Savior.
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
Sure, here is a Q&A based on the passage of John 11:1-44, which recounts the story of the resurrection of Lazarus:
Question 1: Who were the main individuals mentioned in the story of Lazarus in John 11:1-44?
Answer: The main individuals mentioned are Lazarus, his sisters Mary and Martha, and Jesus. Additional figures include Jesus’ disciples and the people who were consoling Mary and Martha.
Question 2: What was Lazarus’ condition at the beginning of the story?
Answer: Lazarus was very sick at the beginning of the story.
Question 3: Where did this event take place?
Answer: This event took place in the village of Bethany, which was near Jerusalem.
Question 4: How did Jesus initially respond when He heard that Lazarus was sick?
Answer: Jesus said that the sickness would not end in death but was for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. He stayed where He was for two more days before going to Bethany.
Question 5: What did Jesus declare to His disciples about Lazarus’ situation before they traveled to Bethany?
Answer: Jesus declared to His disciples that Lazarus had fallen asleep, and He was going there to wake him up. When they misunderstood, He clarified that Lazarus was dead.
Question 6: How did Martha react when Jesus arrived in Bethany?
Answer: When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him. She expressed her belief that if Jesus had been there, her brother would not have died but also her faith that God would grant whatever Jesus asked.
Question 7: What profound statement did Jesus make to Martha concerning Himself?
Answer: Jesus said to Martha, “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?”
Question 8: How did Mary react when Jesus arrived?
Answer: Mary went to meet Jesus when Martha informed her that He was calling for her. She fell at His feet, weeping, and said that if He had been there, her brother would not have died.
Question 9: How did Jesus respond emotionally when He saw Mary and the people weeping?
Answer: Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. He wept.
Question 10: What did Jesus do at Lazarus’ tomb?
Answer: Jesus asked for the stone to be removed from the entrance of the tomb. After a prayer to the Father, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" Lazarus came out, still wrapped in linen strips.
Question 11: What command did Jesus give after Lazarus came out of the tomb?
Answer: Jesus said to the people, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
These questions and answers cover the core elements of the narrative and the significant theological insights presented in John 11:1-44.
