Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
When Jesus arrived, He found Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem (less than two miles away). Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Yet, even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she told Him, “I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.”
– John 11:17-27
Devotion
The fact that Jesus intentionally waited several days before arriving in Bethany was significant. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, there would be no confusion concerning the fate of Lazarus. Lazarus was truly dead and had been in the tomb four days. Jesus does not raise Lazarus solely out of sympathy with Martha and Mary, though His sympathy was great. Nor does He raise Lazarus because Lazarus was especially dear to Him. But rather, through the miracle of raising the dead to life, Jesus desires to manifest Himself as “the resurrection and the life.” Jesus makes it clear that those who put their faith in Him will not taste spiritual death but will live with Him forever.
The Big Question
What is the significance of Martha going out to meet Jesus while Mary remained in their home? Does Martha’s confession in verse 27 sound familiar? What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life?” Are you trusting in the person and work of Jesus for your soul’s salvation?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.