Short Devotional about
Lazarus – John 11:1-44
Introduction
We frequently wonder what it would be like if God intervened in our lives in a miraculous, mind-blowing way. The story of Lazarus provides a standout example of divine intervention, a breathtaking display of God’s absolute power over life and death. As we dive into this study, you’ll be inspired to see that the same loving, mighty God who raised Lazarus continues to work wonders in our lives today.
God does not play by our rules or adhere to our timeline – He always has a greater plan. Let’s unwrap this story together, reminding ourselves of the limitless power of God, His deep compassion, and the profound hope we can find in Him.
Bible Verse
“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?’” John 11:25-26
Meaning
In John 11, Jesus waits two days after hearing of Lazarus’ illness before setting out to help him. This delay and ensuing resurrection of Lazarus illustrate a key truth about God’s nature–He operates outside our understandings and expectations. His decisions are shaped entirely by His infinite wisdom and deep, encompassing love for us.
Jesus’ profound statement, “I am the resurrection and the life,” is a testament to His sovereignty over life and death. In raising Lazarus, He demonstrates not only His power but also His profound empathy for our human condition, confirming that He truly is the source of life eternal.
By delving deeper into this narrative, we’re reminded that the sovereignty of Jesus transcends any circumstance. He can turn any situation, no matter how dire, into a triumphant testimony of His grace and power.
Actions to Take
- Reflect on areas of your life where you may be limiting God. Surrender them up to Him, knowing that He is more powerful than any circumstance.
- Read the story of Lazarus multiple times this week to deeply instil in you the truth of God’s power and love.
- Practice patience, striving to trust in God’s perfect timing and not leaning on your own understanding.
- Share the story of Lazarus with someone who might need encouragement, illustrating the power of faith and trust in Jesus.
Journal Prompts
- What does the story of Lazarus teach me about God’s timing and His power?
- How can I demonstrate faith similar to that of Martha and Mary in my current circumstances?
- When have I experienced a ‘resurrection’ moment in my life, where God brought hope from a seemingly hopeless situation?
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for showing me through the story of Lazarus that absolutely nothing is impossible with You. You are the resurrection and the life, a truth that brings me hope and confidence. Teach me patience, Lord, help me trust in Your heavenly timing. May I not limit You with my finite understanding but instead, fully surrender to Your will, knowing that You always work for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
- “Feeling challenged and need a reminder of God’s power? Dive into the story of Lazarus this week. #UnlimitedGod #BibleStudy”
- “Do not limit God. Nothing is impossible with Him, just as He showed us in the story of Lazarus. 🙏 #Faith #Hope”
- “The same God who raised Lazarus from the dead is ready to work in your life. Are you ready? 💙 #TrustHim #ResurrectionandLife”
Conclusion
The story of Lazarus is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereign power and His divine timing. It’s an encouragement that, no matter how hopeless our circumstances may seem, hope is never lost with Jesus. Let’s walk in this comforting assurance, trusting in His perfect timing and limitless power.
At BGodInspired.com, we are excited to visit more life-affirming and hope-filled passages from the Bible together. God’s word is living and active; it can breathe new life into our circumstances just as Jesus breathed life back into Lazarus. Let’s keep diving deeper, growing stronger in faith and closer to our Heavenly Father!
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
Question: Who was Lazarus in John 11:1-44?
Answer: Lazarus was a man from Bethany, and the brother of Mary and Martha, who fell sick and later died. He was loved by Jesus and his sisters sent word to Jesus about his sickness.
Question: How did Jesus respond when he heard Lazarus was sick?
Answer: When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he did not rush to him immediately. Instead, he stayed two more days where he was. He stated that Lazarus’s sickness would not end in death but was for the glory of God.
Question: How did Lazarus’s sisters react when Jesus arrived?
Answer: Both sisters, Martha and Mary, were upset with Jesus for not coming sooner. Martha told Jesus that if he had been there, Lazarus would not have died. Mary, too, fell at Jesus’ feet, weeping and saying if he had been there, her brother would not have died.
Question: How did Jesus respond to the death of Lazarus?
Answer: When he saw the grief of Mary and the Jews who had come with her, Jesus was deeply moved and wept, showing his love and empathy for them.
Question: What significant miracle did Jesus perform in this passage?
Answer: Jesus performed the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. He commanded them to remove the stone from the tomb, and after praying aloud to His Father, He cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, came out with his hands and feet bound in grave clothes.
Question: What is the significance of Jesus’s statement, “I am the resurrection and the life” in this passage?
Answer: Jesus’s statement, “I am the resurrection and the life” signifies that He has power over death and that those who believe in Him, even though they may die, they will live, revealing His divine power and authority.
