Friday, May 18, 2012
John 11:11-16
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.” (ESV)
by Cathy Jara
What would you do if you were on your way to see someone who was sick and found out en routes that they had died? Would you continue on to comfort the family? Would you turn back, thinking there would not be anything you could do for the person? Jesus intentionally delayed his visit until after Lazarus had died. His purpose for waiting was to show His miracle so that His followers could believe in Him. How much better to be able to believe without a miracle? Pray that you will be one who can believe without having to be shown a miracle.
Copyright Information
Daily Bible Meditations are taken from The Helping Hand,a Sabbath School student quarterly for youth and adults. Copyright © 2010, Seventh Day Baptist Board of Christian Education, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked "ESV" are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.
