Divine Timing: The Resurrection and Our Faith
Summary
In today's exploration of John 11, we delve into the profound story of Lazarus's resurrection, a narrative that challenges our understanding of life, death, and divine timing. The story begins with Jesus receiving news of Lazarus's illness, yet He chooses to delay His visit, a decision that seems counterintuitive to our human understanding of love and urgency. This delay, however, is a testament to God's perfect timing, a concept that transcends our linear perception of time. In Greek, time is captured by two words: chronos, the sequential time we are familiar with, and kairos, God's opportune time. Jesus's delay is not a sign of neglect but a demonstration of kairos, where God's glory is revealed through Lazarus's resurrection.
As we journey through the narrative, we encounter the deep relationships Jesus shares with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. These relationships highlight the personal nature of Jesus's ministry and His profound empathy for human suffering. When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead for four days, a period significant in Jewish belief as it signifies the finality of death. Yet, Jesus's declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," challenges this finality, offering a new perspective on life and death. This statement is not just a theological assertion but a personal invitation to Martha, and to us, to believe in the transformative power of Jesus.
The resurrection of Lazarus is a powerful sign of Jesus's authority over life and death, a foreshadowing of His own resurrection. It invites us to reflect on our own lives and the areas where we need resurrection. Whether it's waiting for a breakthrough, healing, or a deeper relationship with God, the story of Lazarus reminds us that Jesus is present in our waiting, working for our good and His glory. As believers, we are called to live resurrected lives, sharing the hope and transformation we've experienced with others.
Key Takeaways:
1. Divine Timing and Purpose: God's timing often defies our understanding, yet it is always purposeful. Jesus's delay in visiting Lazarus was not neglect but a demonstration of divine timing, where God's glory was revealed through resurrection. In our waiting, we must trust that God is working for our good and His glory. [50:31]
2. The Personal Nature of Jesus's Ministry: Jesus's interactions with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus highlight His deep empathy and personal connection with those He loves. He enters into our pain and suffering, offering comfort and hope. This personal nature of Jesus's ministry invites us to a deeper relationship with Him. [01:04:03]
3. The Power of Belief: Jesus's declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," is a call to believe in His power over life and death. This belief transforms our understanding of life, offering hope and assurance in the face of death and despair. [58:45]
4. Living Resurrected Lives: As believers, we are called to live out the resurrection power in our daily lives. This means sharing the hope and transformation we've experienced with others, living boldly and confidently in the truth of Jesus's resurrection. [01:11:08]
5. Invitation to Faith: Jesus's question to Martha, "Do you believe this?" is a personal invitation to each of us to trust in His power and promise. This invitation is extended to all, regardless of past experiences or current struggles, offering new life and hope through faith in Jesus. [01:12:24]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[41:14] - Baptism Invitation
[43:02] - Prayer for Revival
[43:40] - Introduction to John 11
[44:17] - The Shock of Resurrection
[45:56] - Jesus's Love and Delay
[47:37] - The Story of Mary and Martha
[49:10] - The Geography of Jesus's Journey
[50:31] - The Purpose in Waiting
[52:30] - Understanding Time: Chronos vs. Kairos
[55:21] - Jesus's Arrival in Bethany
[57:13] - Martha's Declaration of Faith
[58:45] - Jesus as the Resurrection and Life
[01:02:31] - Jesus's Empathy and Compassion
[01:06:44] - Lazarus's Resurrection
[01:09:03] - The Call to Believe and Live Resurrected Lives
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Resurrection of Lazarus
Bible Reading:
- John 11:1-44
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Jesus's initial response upon hearing about Lazarus's illness, and how did it reflect His understanding of divine timing? [45:56]
2. How did Martha and Mary each react to Jesus's arrival, and what does this reveal about their relationship with Him? [57:13]
3. What significant statement does Jesus make to Martha, and how does it challenge the traditional Jewish beliefs about resurrection? [58:45]
4. Describe the emotional response of Jesus when He arrived at Lazarus's tomb. What does this tell us about His empathy and compassion? [01:04:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus's delay in visiting Lazarus serve as a demonstration of kairos, or God's opportune time, rather than neglect? [50:31]
2. In what ways does the story of Lazarus highlight the personal nature of Jesus's ministry and His deep empathy for human suffering? [01:02:31]
3. What does Jesus's declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," imply about His authority over life and death, and how does it invite us to a deeper faith? [58:45]
4. How does the resurrection of Lazarus serve as a foreshadowing of Jesus's own resurrection, and what implications does this have for believers today? [01:08:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were waiting on God. How can the concept of kairos help you trust in God's timing and purpose in your current situation? [50:31]
2. Jesus showed deep empathy and compassion for Mary and Martha in their grief. How can you emulate this empathy in your interactions with others who are suffering? [01:02:31]
3. Jesus asked Martha, "Do you believe this?" regarding His power over life and death. How would you answer this question in your own life, and what steps can you take to deepen your faith? [58:45]
4. The resurrection of Lazarus is a powerful sign of hope and transformation. Identify an area in your life where you need resurrection or renewal. What practical steps can you take to invite Jesus into that area? [01:09:03]
5. As believers, we are called to live resurrected lives. What does this look like in your daily life, and how can you share the hope and transformation you've experienced with others? [01:11:08]
6. Consider the personal invitation to faith that Jesus extends to each of us. How can you respond to this invitation in a way that impacts your relationship with God and others? [01:12:24]
7. How can you actively participate in sharing the story of Jesus's resurrection power with someone in your life who may need to hear it? What specific action will you take this week? [01:11:50]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Trusting in Divine Timing
In the story of Lazarus, Jesus's delay in visiting his sick friend is a profound lesson in divine timing. While it may seem counterintuitive to our human understanding of urgency and love, this delay is a demonstration of God's perfect timing, known as kairos. Unlike chronos, which is the sequential time we are familiar with, kairos is God's opportune time, where His glory is revealed in ways we might not expect. Jesus's decision to wait before going to Lazarus was not neglect but a purposeful act to reveal God's glory through the resurrection. In our own lives, we often find ourselves waiting for answers or breakthroughs. During these times, we are invited to trust that God is working for our good and His glory, even when we cannot see it. [50:31]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you are currently waiting for God's intervention. How can you practice trusting in His perfect timing today?
Day 2: Embracing Jesus's Personal Ministry
The interactions between Jesus and the family of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus reveal the deeply personal nature of His ministry. Jesus does not remain distant from human suffering; instead, He enters into it with empathy and compassion. His relationship with this family shows that He cares deeply for those He loves, offering comfort and hope in the midst of pain. This personal connection invites us to a deeper relationship with Jesus, where we can experience His love and empathy firsthand. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to open our hearts to Jesus, allowing Him to enter into our own struggles and offer His healing presence. [01:04:03]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt Jesus's presence in your suffering. How can you invite Him into your current struggles to experience His comfort and hope?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Belief
When Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life," He is not only making a theological statement but extending a personal invitation to believe in His power over life and death. This belief transforms our understanding of life, offering hope and assurance even in the face of death and despair. Jesus's words challenge us to trust in His authority and to see beyond the finality of death. As we reflect on this, we are called to examine our own beliefs and how they shape our perspective on life's challenges. [58:45]
John 14:19 (ESV): "Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to believe in Jesus's power? How can you begin to trust Him more fully today?
Day 4: Living Resurrected Lives
The resurrection of Lazarus is a powerful sign of Jesus's authority over life and death, and it calls us to live out this resurrection power in our daily lives. As believers, we are invited to share the hope and transformation we've experienced with others, living boldly and confidently in the truth of Jesus's resurrection. This means embodying the new life we have in Christ, allowing His power to influence our actions, decisions, and relationships. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to consider how we can live as witnesses to the resurrection, bringing hope and light to those around us. [01:11:08]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate the resurrection power of Jesus in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to share this hope with others?
Day 5: Accepting the Invitation to Faith
Jesus's question to Martha, "Do you believe this?" is a personal invitation to each of us to trust in His power and promise. This invitation is extended to all, regardless of past experiences or current struggles, offering new life and hope through faith in Jesus. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to examine our own faith and consider how we can respond to Jesus's invitation with trust and openness. This is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Him and to embrace the new life He offers. [01:12:24]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to accept Jesus's invitation to faith? How can you take a step towards trusting Him more fully today?
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Quotes
"See, Jesus hears about Lazarus being sick, and they're far away. They're not in Judea. In fact, they've got a map here. You can see what the map looks like. This is a new map for us. It kind of shows you like what elevation looks like. Israel is like almost vertical. Like it was just straight up and down, a lot of it. Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth." [00:49:10] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [00:49:50] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [00:50:31] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [00:52:30] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [00:55:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [00:57:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [01:02:31] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [01:06:44] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [01:09:03] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [01:11:08] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus is up in Galilee near Nazareth. Lazarus lives down here in Bethany, here at the bottom of the mountain. And he's like, by Jerusalem. They're actually a pretty close walk from Jerusalem. In fact, during the Holy Week, Jesus stays in Bethany and goes back and forth, because it's about the same distances from here where I'm standing to Wades. Everybody knows where Wades is, right?" [01:12:24] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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