To walk back to Bethany would take about two days, and the disciples knew that enemies were waiting with threats to stone Jesus, and so they were not sure about returning. Jesus and His disciples were ministering in Perea, on the east side of the Jordan River (John 10:40). The alarm of the disciples (11:7-10)Īfter a two-day delay (verses 6-7), Jesus said, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples knew that for Jesus to return to the Jerusalem area would be very risky indeed (verse 8). The Lord’s delays are not necessarily His denials. Jesus was not indifferent to human suffering, but He knew that delay would provide a setting by which God could receive much glory. He then delayed His departure from Perea two more days before going to the house of this family that He loved very much (verse 6). Jesus explained that the sickness was allowed “for the glory of God” (verse 4). Like Mary and Martha, we should not hesitate to ask Him for help when extraordinary help is needed. They believed that He could help because they were aware of His miracles. The brother, however, on this occasion was sick, and the sisters turned to Jesus for help (verse 3). Verse 3 clearly says that Lazarus was one whom Jesus loved, and this Mary was the Mary who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped His feet with her hair (verse 2). Readers of the Bible are not sure what that was. Martha enjoyed preparing food for visitors Mary sat at the feet of Jesus while He taught important truths (Luke 10:38-42) and Lazarus most likely provided something that was precious to Jesus. All three of them were disciples of Jesus, and loved to serve Him. John says that Jesus loved all three members of the household (verse 5). They loved Him and provided an atmosphere that brought a sense of serenity to their best Friend. Their home was always open to the Lord Jesus. Lazarus, and Mary and Martha, provided a home for Jesus when He ministered in the Jerusalem area. When introducing the great miracle described in chapter 11, John identifies the man who died by giving his name, the place where he lived, and his connection with others who are named in the account (verses 1-2). The Bible teaches that victory over the fear of death can be found through faith in Jesus Christ. They shrink from death because they are not sure what they will encounter in the process. Many people today live in fear of death, because for them death is the end of their pleasures in life. Unless the return of Jesus to the earth occurs very soon, every human being will eventually face death. Sickness tends to draw our affections away from the world to center them on things above. Illness is permitted in our lives because it often leads to spiritual growth. Sickness is not necessarily a sign that God is displeased with us. The Illness and Death of Lazarus (John 11:1-16) This event occurred just before the time of our Lord’s crucifixion in Jerusalem. The raising of Lazarus from the tomb, after he had been dead four days, was the greatest of Jesus’ miracles recorded by John. Burial in Bible times was usually done without embalming, and it often occurred the same day as the death. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was sick and likely died before the message about his illness ever reached Jesus. We never discussed it or made any preparation for it.” One wife sadly said, following her husband’s death, “You would have thought that we never expected to die. If they have not occurred yet, they will in the future. And barring the soon return of Christ, sickness and death will eventually come to every home. In the eleventh chapter of the Gospel of John, we learn that sickness and death had come to the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus at Bethany. The Pharisees Plotted to Kill Jesus (John 11:45-57) Lazarus Brought Out of the Grave (John 11:38-44) The Conversation with Martha and Mary (John 11:17-37)
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