JOHN 11:1-16

 

Introduction

John 11:1–16: Today we will read the first part of the account of the death and raising of Lazarus. Jesus receives word that his friend Lazarus is ill, but he delays making the trip to Bethany to see him. He says that the illness will provide an occasion to reveal the glory of God.

Today’s Key Verse: John 11:4b

[Jesus said concerning the death of Lazarus]: “This has happened in order to bring glory to God, and it will be the means by which the Son of God will receive glory.”

Reading

11 A man named Lazarus, who lived in Bethany, became sick. Bethany was the town where Mary and her sister Martha lived. (² This Mary was the one who poured the perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was sick.) ³ The sisters sent Jesus a message: “Lord, your dear friend is sick.”

⁴ When Jesus heard it, he said, “The final result of this sickness will not be the death of Lazarus; this has happened in order to bring glory to God, and it will be the means by which the Son of God will receive glory.”

⁵ Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ Yet when he received the news that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days. ⁷ Then he said to the disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

⁸ “Teacher,” the disciples answered, “just a short time ago the people there wanted to stone you; and are you planning to go back?”

⁹ Jesus said, “A day has twelve hours, doesn't it? So those who walk in broad daylight do not stumble, for they see the light of this world. ¹⁰ But if they walk during the night they stumble, because they have no light.” ¹¹ Jesus said this and then added, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I will go and wake him up.”

¹² The disciples answered, “If he is asleep, Lord, he will get well.”

¹³ Jesus meant that Lazarus had died, but they thought he meant natural sleep. ¹⁴ So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, ¹⁵ but for your sake I am glad that I was not with him, so that you will believe. Let us go to him.”

¹⁶ Thomas (called the Twin) said to his fellow disciples, “Let us all go along with the Teacher, so that we may die with him!”

Reflect

How does Jesus respond to the message from Mary and Martha (verses 4–6)? What does Jesus say to his disciples (verses 11, 14, 15)? What are your thoughts about Jesus waiting two days before going to Bethany? What priorities do his words in verse 15 indicate?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God and that you came to bring glory to God. I seek to be your disciple, following and trusting in your teachings. Amen.