John 11:1-27


"Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, 'Lord, he whom you love is ill.' But when Jesus heard it he said, 'This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.' Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, 'Let us go to Judea again.' The disciples said to him, 'Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?' Jesus answered, 'Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.' After saying these things, he said to them, 'Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.' The disciples said to him, 'Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.' Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, 'Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.' So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him.' Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 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 from God, God will give you.' Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again.' Martha said to him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?' She said to him, 'Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.'" (John 11:1-27 ESV)


Trusting in God's Timing

In this passage, we see that Jesus is informed about Lazarus’ illness, but He chooses to wait two more days before traveling to Bethany. This delay seems puzzling, especially since it is clear that Jesus loves Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Yet, Jesus explains that the illness will ultimately result in the glorification of God and the Son of God (v. 4). God’s timing often does not align with our immediate desires or expectations, but it is always purposeful. Jesus' delay was not out of neglect, but rather a divine orchestration of events that would bring greater faith to His disciples and glory to God.

For disciples today, this teaches us to trust God even when His timing doesn’t match our own. We may be tempted to feel abandoned or question God’s love when He seems to delay in answering our prayers, but His delays are never without reason. Often, what seems like a delay is God's preparation for a greater revelation of His power and purpose in our lives.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 27:14, 2 Peter 3:8-9, Romans 8:28


Jesus: The Light in Dark Times

Jesus uses the imagery of light and darkness in verses 9-10 to explain that those who walk in the light of His presence do not stumble. This light represents spiritual insight, guidance, and the truth that comes from following Jesus. In the context of this story, Lazarus’ death seems like a dark, hopeless situation. Yet, Jesus reassures His disciples that this is not the end—there is still light because He is with them. The physical death of Lazarus is not beyond the reach of Christ’s power, just as spiritual death is not beyond His ability to give new life.

In our darkest moments, we are called to walk in the light of Christ, trusting that He sees the bigger picture. The Holy Spirit continually guides us through life’s challenges, giving us the ability to navigate what seems impossible. It is this light that gives us hope and assurance that God is in control, no matter how bleak things appear.

Scriptures to Study:

John 8:12, Psalm 119:105, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Ephesians 5:8-9


I Am the Resurrection and the Life

When Martha confronts Jesus with the grief-filled words, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died,” Jesus responds not only with comfort but with a profound truth: "I am the resurrection and the life" (v. 25). Jesus points to His identity as the One who has power over both life and death. His promise is clear: whoever believes in Him, even if they experience physical death, will have eternal life. This is a declaration of His divine authority over life itself. In the face of death, Jesus offers hope that transcends the grave.

For the believer, this is a central tenet of faith: Jesus has conquered death. Through His own death and resurrection, He defeated the finality of the grave, and in Him, we have the assurance of eternal life. As disciples, this truth should embolden us to live with the confidence that death has no victory over us. Our hope rests in Christ, who has secured eternal life for all who believe in Him.

Scriptures to Study:

1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Romans 6:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, John 14:6


A Faith that Confesses Christ

Martha’s confession of faith is powerful: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world” (v. 27). Even in the midst of her grief and uncertainty, Martha acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah. Her faith, though tested by the death of her brother, does not waver. This confession is the foundation of Christian discipleship—the belief that Jesus is the promised Savior, the Son of God, and the source of eternal life.

True discipleship involves not just intellectual assent, but a heart-level conviction that Jesus is who He says He is. Like Martha, we are called to trust Jesus, even when our circumstances challenge our understanding. The Holy Spirit strengthens us to make this confession boldly, and through the Word of God, our faith is nurtured, leading us to deeper trust in Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Scriptures to Study:

Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 16:15-16, 1 John 4:15, Philippians 2:9-11


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