Short Devotional about
Lazarus – John 11:1-44
Introduction
Welcome, dear reader! Today, let’s embark on a journey together that takes us into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of faith and resurrection in the Bible—the raising of Lazarus. This is not just a tale of a miraculous moment but an invitation to deepen your faith and trust in the God who holds life even in the face of death. Whether you’re facing your own valley or standing in a place of triumph, this story offers us valuable insights into the nature of God’s timing and His profound love for us.
As you consider the nuances of this story, remember that Lazarus’ resurrection is a testament to the power and compassion of Jesus. It’s not merely about a miraculous event two thousand years ago; it’s a divine reminder that God is with us in our darkest hours and that He holds the power to bring hope out of hopelessness. Now, let us explore this transformative passage with expectation and gratitude.
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 in John 11:1-44 unfolds with a profound significance that transcends the physical act of bringing someone back to life. At its core, it is an illustration of Jesus’ immense love and power, a manifestation of His divine nature as the Resurrection and the Life. When Jesus declares His sovereignty over life and death, He offers us reassurance that His presence transcends time and circumstance.
During this event, Jesus demonstrates patience and intentionality. Despite Lazarus’ critical condition, Jesus delays His arrival. This delay is not due to indifference but is instead a divine orchestration of timing that allows God’s glory to be fully revealed. In our lives, these moments of waiting are often the crucible where our faith is tested and refined. Jesus encourages us to trust in His timing, knowing that He operates with perfect wisdom and a heart full of love.
Moreover, this story is a personal call to believe. Just as Martha acknowledges her belief in Jesus as the Messiah, we too are gently nudged to declare our faith in Him. We are invited to hold onto the promise that in Christ we find life—an abundant, eternal life that begins the moment we say ‘yes’ to His purposes. Just as Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, He calls us to step out of our histories and into His legacy.
Actions to Take
– Reflect on your own life and identify areas where you need to trust in God’s timing. Surrender these areas in prayer.
– Take a step of faith this week by reaching out to someone who may be in a “valley” and offer them a message of hope.
– Create a “belief journal” where you write down past experiences that demonstrate God’s faithfulness in your life.
– Every morning, speak out loud a personal affirmation of faith, such as “I believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.”
– Set aside time each day for meditation on God’s promises, grounding yourself in His Word.
Journal Prompts
1. What does the story of Lazarus teach me about God’s timing in my life?
2. In what areas do I struggle to believe in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life? How can I deepen my belief?
3. How has God demonstrated His faithfulness to me in the past?
4. What steps of faith can I take to encourage someone else today?
5. Reflect on a time when waiting on God led to a greater blessing than expected.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the story of Lazarus that reminds me of Your power over life and death. Help me to deepen my trust in Your timing and fill my heart with unwavering faith. Lord, let me see Your glory even in the waiting, and use my life as a testimony of Your resurrection power. May I bring hope to those around me and shine as a beacon of Your love and promise. Amen.
Social Posts
1. “Just as Lazarus heard Jesus call him out of the tomb, Jesus calls us to rise above our circumstances into His light. #TrustInHisTiming #ResurrectionPower”
2. “Feeling like you’re stuck in a place of waiting? Remember, God’s delays are not His denials. Hold onto hope and faith. #HopeInWaiting #FaithOverFear”
3. “Jesus asks us the same question He asked Martha: Do you believe? Let our answer always be a resounding, ‘Yes, Lord!’ #BeliefInChrist #LifeInJesus”
4. “May we be like Martha, proclaiming that we believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, even when life gets tough. #FaithInTheValley #JesusIsLife”
5. “This week, let’s be vessels of hope, reminding those around us of Jesus’ love and power to bring life from the darkest places. #BeALight #ResurrectionLife”
Conclusion
As we conclude this devotional journey, let the story of Lazarus be a guide and encouragement to you, a powerful reminder of God’s incredible love and perfect timing. Christ’s declaration that He is the Resurrection and the Life is a promise that infuses our lives with hope and purpose. Wherever you find yourself, know that God’s plans for you are good, and He is working all things for your good.
Thank you for spending this time with us! We invite you to continue exploring more encouraging passages and reflections at BGodInspired.com. Let this be just the beginning of a deeper, more fruitful spiritual walk. Take comfort in knowing you are not alone, that you are loved, and that our God is a God of resurrection and life.
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! Below is a Q&A based on the biblical passage of John 11:1-44, which tells the story of the raising of Lazarus:
Question 1: Who was Lazarus and what was his relationship with Jesus?
Answer: Lazarus was a man from the village of Bethany and was the brother of Mary and Martha. He was someone whom Jesus loved, indicating a close and personal relationship between Jesus and Lazarus.
Question 2: What message did Mary and Martha send to Jesus, and why?
Answer: Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus saying, "Lord, the one you love is sick." They sent this message because Lazarus was ill, and they hoped that Jesus would come and heal him.
Question 3: How did Jesus respond to the news of Lazarus’s illness?
Answer: When Jesus heard about Lazarus’s illness, He said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it." Jesus then stayed where He was for two more days before deciding to go to Bethany.
Question 4: What did Jesus say to His disciples about Lazarus after delaying His departure?
Answer: Jesus told His disciples, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." When the disciples misunderstood, thinking Jesus meant natural sleep, He clarified, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
Question 5: How did Martha react when Jesus arrived in Bethany, and what did she express to Him?
Answer: When Martha heard Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
Question 6: What did Jesus tell Martha about the resurrection?
Answer: Jesus told Martha, "Your brother will rise again." When Martha mentioned the resurrection at the last day, Jesus declared, "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 7: How did Mary react upon meeting Jesus, and what did He ask upon seeing her grief?
Answer: When Mary met Jesus, she fell at His feet, weeping, and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Seeing her and the others weeping, Jesus was deeply moved and troubled in spirit, and He asked, "Where have you laid him?"
Question 8: What was significant about Jesus’s emotional response at the tomb of Lazarus?
Answer: At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus wept, demonstrating His deep compassion and empathy. This emotional response shows Jesus’s humanity and His personal connection to those He loved.
Question 9: What miracle did Jesus perform at the tomb of Lazarus, and what command did He give before doing so?
Answer: Jesus performed the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. Before doing so, He commanded the stone to be taken away from the entrance of the tomb. Then, after praying, He called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
Question 10: What was the reaction of the people who witnessed the raising of Lazarus?
Answer: Many of the Jews who had come to mourn with Mary and Martha saw what Jesus did and believed in Him. This miracle served as a powerful testament to Jesus’s divine authority and His power over life and death.
This passage highlights themes of faith, the power of Jesus, and His role as the source of eternal life.
