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Reading text – John 11:1-44
John 11:1-44 tells the remarkable story of a man and two sisters who were friends of Jesus. The sisters, Mary and Martha, sent for Jesus letting Him know that Lazarus was sick. Jesus immediately says, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” But it is interesting that Jesus stayed where He was for two more days. There was no urgency to adhere to the demands of His friends.
After two days, Jesus says to His disciples, “Let’s go to Judea”. But the disciples reminded Him that the Jews attempted to stone Him there. Jesus responds by telling them if anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. In an earlier article, we read in John 8:12 where Jesus had just spoken to the Pharisees, “I AM the Light of the World”, he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”
Why would Jesus respond to the disciple’s caution of being stoned in Judea with a reminder that ‘I AM the Light of the World’? When we look at the word stumble, I wonder if that could be a reference to stumbling over the offense of Jesus. The disciples were offended that He didn’t do what they were suggesting (staying safe from the Jews). Now, remember, both sisters said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” They didn’t know that, but they were offended and limited in their perspective to their way to accomplish the desired outcome. How many times do we assume that Jesus is going to answer our prayers a certain way – the way we think it should be? Or when we think it should be?
How many times do we assume that Jesus is going to answer our prayers a certain way – the way we think it should be? Or when we think it should be?
If Jesus is the Resurrection and Life, we must die to be raised to new life in Him. Romans 6:4 tells us that as believers, we are buried with Him to be raised from that death so we can walk in newness of life. Doesn’t this include letting our own ideas die for Jesus to raise them to new life? When Jesus says, “I AM the resurrection and life”, He is demonstrating dying to our own flesh, including our expectations.
When we cry out to God, we assume the answer must be done immediately, in the way we think. But the truth is – God doesn’t have a calendar. He is outside the context of time, so when we think something needs to be done according to what we see, when we see it, God doesn’t see it that way. He sees the end from the beginning and is Lord over it all.
Take a moment to surrender that one thing, that one person and that one outcome to the Lord today. Choose to agree with Him that He knows the better way and cooperate with Him. In doing so, you will see Resurrection Life in the things you are praying for.
