Not End In Death

Scripture: John 11:1-44 (Please read John 11:1-44. We’ll spend about 6 days here.)

1 A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. 2 This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. (John 11:1–6 NLT)

Jesus had left Jerusalem and moved into the wilderness area east of the Jordan River because the Jewish leaders had intensified their efforts to kill him. His friends knew where he was staying and when his friend Lazarus, in Bethany just outside the city, became ill and then began to get sicker, Mary and Martha sent someone to find him and ask him to come and help. Note: “Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days.”

Two things to think about from the introduction to this important story:

1) When Jesus got the message about the seriousness of Lazarus’ illness, he responded with this statement: “Lazarus’ sickness will not end in death!”  Lazarus’ sickness caused Lazarus to die. But that wasn’t the end—it wasn’t the end of Lazarus and it wasn’t the end of this story! The healthier, the more prosperous, and the longer-living we have become in the last century and a half, the more we’ve become anchored in the material world and the less we focus on the next life. Take some time today and think about this reality: Death is not the end! Not for Lazarus, not for you, not for those you love, not for me.

2) Jesus’ delay in leaving for Bethany did not in any way indicate a lack of love for his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus! Jesus said that Lazarus’ sickness happened “for the glory of God!” Trying to second-guess God’s wisdom and purpose in the events of our lives is above my paygrade and I’m pretty sure it’s above your paygrade as well! So don’t ever stop asking Jesus to come and help! Faith cries out boldly for help and trust waits hopefully for the answer!

Prayer:

Father, We believe that death is not the end! We have confident hope in your love and in the eternal life you have given. May we live joyfully in faith, hope, and trust! Amen!