Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? John 11:40
Blogger Kevin Lynn’s life seemed to be falling apart. In a recent article he recounted, “I actually put a gun to my head . . . . It took for God to supernaturally step into my room and my life. And at that moment, I really found what I know is God now.” God intervened and prevented Lynn from taking his life. He filled him with conviction and gave him an overwhelming reminder of His loving presence. Instead of hiding this powerful encounter, Lynn shared his experience with the world, creating a YouTube ministry where he shares his own transformation story as well as the stories of others.
When Jesus’ follower and friend Lazarus died, many assumed that Jesus was too late (John 11:32). Lazarus had been in his tomb for four days before Christ arrived, but He turned this moment of anguish into a miracle when He raised him from the dead (v. 38). “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (v. 40).
Just as Jesus raised Lazarus from death to life, He offers us new life through Him. By sacrificing His life on the cross, Christ paid the penalty for our sins and offers us forgiveness when we accept His gift of grace. We’re freed from the bondage of our sins, renewed by His everlasting love, and given the opportunity to change the course of our lives.
Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
38 Jesus, once more deeply moved,f came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.g
39 “Takeawaythestone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man,
“by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”h
40 Then Jesus said, “DidInottellyouthatifyoubelieve,iyouwillseethegloryofGod?”j
41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked upk and said,
“Father,lIthankyouthatyouhaveheardme.
42 Iknewthatyoualwayshearme, butIsaidthisforthebenefitofthepeoplestandinghere,m
thattheymaybelievethatyousentme.”n
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, comeout!”o
44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen,p and a cloth around his face.q
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothesandlethimgo.”
INSIGHT
- What are some of the miraculous ways that God has turned your life around?
- How might you use your testimony to bring others closer to Him?
After Jesus learned Lazarus was gravely ill, He waited two days to go to the home of his sisters, Mary and Martha (John 11:1–6). When Jesus and His disciples arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days (v. 17). This allowed a day for the news to reach Jesus and a day for Him to reach Bethany. So, Lazarus may have already been dead when the news reached Jesus that he was ill. That it had been four days was significant because in that warm climate, Lazarus’ body would have been severely decomposed (v. 39). If Jesus had left immediately and resurrected Lazarus, naysayers could’ve easily denied his resurrection, suggesting he’d only been in a deep sleep or coma. It was also significant because in that day some Jews believed the soul hovered over the body for three days, hoping to reenter. But by four days, even that hope would have expired.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, sometimes I take for granted how You’ve transformed my life. Thank You for never giving up on me. In Your name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: John 11:38-44 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 1-2; Galatians 5
