John 11
September 27, 2022
“So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick.’ When he heard this, Jesus 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.’” (v3-4)
Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters. His love for them is even mentioned three times (v3, 5, 36). And yet, Jesus was so guided by the Father’s agenda for His life, that He refused to run to Bethany to heal his sick friend. Instead, He waited “two more days” (v6). At first glance, this seems cold and callous, especially since Lazarus dies. But the result of Jesus waiting is a miracle that “brings God glory” (v5), and is for His friends’ good. Not only is Lazarus physically healed: their spiritual eyes are opened to see Jesus as “the Resurrection and the Life” (v25). None of that would have happened if Jesus had run to meet their felt need when they wanted him to do it.
Father, I praise that You are sovereign over all the affairs of the world, including my life. And I thank You that I can trust You to meet my needs in a timeframe that will be for Your glory and my good. Forgive me for my impatience, when I want You to help, heal, or make something happen on my timetable. Grow in me the perspective that even when I don’t see or feel Your immediate answer to prayer - You are doing something that will be even better than my original hope.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
-
Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
-
Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
-
➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
