“The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’”
John 11:44
When Jesus received word about Lazarus, 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” (v. 4). Lazarus’ sickness was not about Mary, Martha, or the disciples. It wasn’t even about Lazarus. It was about Jesus’ glory.
After He told the disciples Lazarus was dead, He said, “I’m glad I was not there, so that you may believe” (v. 14). To Martha He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (v. 25-26). Just before the stone was taken away, Jesus told them to see if it wouldn’t all happen exactly as He had said.
Then, at His call, Lazarus came forth alive! Many who were there immediately put their faith in Jesus (see v. 45). When that stone was taken away, Lazarus’ story became all about God’s glory. It was a foretaste of when the stone at Jesus’ tomb was removed, proclaiming to the world that He had risen. God’s glory is now at the heart of your story.
After He told the disciples Lazarus was dead, He said, “I’m glad I was not there, so that you may believe” (v. 14). To Martha He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (v. 25-26). Just before the stone was taken away, Jesus told them to see if it wouldn’t all happen exactly as He had said.
Then, at His call, Lazarus came forth alive! Many who were there immediately put their faith in Jesus (see v. 45). When that stone was taken away, Lazarus’ story became all about God’s glory. It was a foretaste of when the stone at Jesus’ tomb was removed, proclaiming to the world that He had risen. God’s glory is now at the heart of your story.
Scripture Focus
John 11:1-44
Insight
What stone is blocking His glory in your life? Roll it away today.
Bible In A Year
- Judges 7-8
- Psalm 112
- 1 Corinthians 1-2
