Message of Hope

Posted by Karah

PAUSE

Grab a your Bible, journal, and a pen. Find a quiet, comfy place where you won’t be disturbed. Pray, asking God to help you understand what you study in His Word today.

Over the next few weeks, you will read about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Quickly read through the complete story in John 11:1-44.

“When Jesus heard it, He said, ‘This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’” —John 11:4

Now, read John 11:1-6 in your Bible. Ask yourself:
• Jesus had a strong bond with Lazarus. As you focus your attention on verses 1-6, underline any words or phrases that help you better understand their relationship.

Despite Jesus’ relationship with Lazarus and his sisters, He waited to go to them. Jesus knew that God would demonstrate His power and authority by raising Lazarus from the dead. He even told His disciples that the outcome of Lazarus sickness would not be death, yet Lazarus was in the tomb when Jesus arrived.
• In your own words, explain Jesus’ statement in verse 4.
• Jesus timing assured that there would be no mistaking that Lazarus was dead when He arrived. How did Jesus’ timing bring glory to God? Explain.
• List a few ways Jesus showed His authority and power by waiting until Lazarus was dead to perform a miracle.

RESPOND

Before the story completely unfolded, Jesus told His disciples the outcome-Lazarus wouldn’t stay in the tomb. While we have access to the end of this story, Jesus’ disciples questioned His choice to remain where He was because they knew He could heal Lazarus. Jesus doesn’t always work in ways that we understand or provide healing when we think He should, but He has the power to do more than we can imagine.

• When have you questioned something God allowed in your life? Maybe a loved one died, but you prayed for healing. Talk honestly with God about any doubts or fears you had. Ask Him to help you see how He worked things for good in that situation.
• For further study on Jesus’ power and authority, read Colossians 1:17.

BEHIND THE STORY

The first two verses of John 11 indicate that Jesus knew Mary, Martha, and Lazarus well. Verse five also shows a strong bond between them saying, “Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus.” Despite Jesus’ bond with this family, He stayed for two more days across the Jordan where John was baptizing. By the time Jesus reached Lazarus, he had been in the grave four days (v. 17).

THE POINT

Jesus displayed His authority and power by raising Lazarus from the dead.

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Reprinted from ec magazine. @ 2015 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions