As I pondered over my devotion this week my mind went back to the Men’s Fellowship, Bible study, this morning. (Tuesday March 19th.) Art Gross has been leading us in a study of the book of John. We have travelled through the first 10+ chapters and today we focused our study on chap 11 verses 17 to 37. With 15 men in attendance we first heard the portion read, then some thoughts from our leader followed by discussion. You all know, of course, this section deals with the death of Lazarus and Jesus tarrying before arriving at Mary, Martha and Lazarus’ home.
Lazarus died, the message was sent to Jesus and He tarried another two days in the place where he was. This meant that Lazarus was right and truly dead. In fact Jesus himself in verse 14 states “:Lazarus is dead”. So the question becomes why did Jesus tarry before going to the home of Mary Martha & Lazarus. He certainly wasn’t wanting the family to suffer anymore nor was it a case of He didn’t care. He did. In fact in verse 5 we read “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus”. I believe the passage shows us the way that Jesus teaches us lessons, by example, not just words. We see clearly here that He wanted the family and the Jews to understand who He was and what his purpose was for coming to earth.
Martha’s complaint about Jesus not coming sooner was an opportunity for Jesus to show the truth of who He was and what the ultimate outcome would be.
In fact the real message of John and in this case Lazarus’ death was to remind the Jews and us of His destiny and deity. In verse 25 we hear Jesus’ response to Martha
John 11:25
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die he shall live.
Salvation comes from hearing and understanding from the word of God. The unsaved will often say they can’t understand. What has failed to happen is asking God to help them understand.
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
A clear and perfect process laid out in scripture since the old testament days. The point being before you trust, you have to listen. If you listen but fail to hear, the loss is permanent and forever while
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let us be sure and share the message of Salvation with one and all. We live in a world of turmoil and trouble needing a Saviour. The message is clear.
