Jesus Raised Lazarus

Jesus Raised Lazarus

John 11

Dear families,

The basic premise of our existence is that we were created to be in a right relationship with God and to glorify His name. Even our most difficult circumstances and life events can be conduits for glorifying God. And yet, in the story of Lazarus’ resurrection, we see the tension that often comes in the life of people who trust Jesus but are also struggling with their present circumstances.

John 11 begins with Jesus hearing that Lazarus is dying. Yet, Jesus stays where He is two more days (John 11:6). The text uses the verb menō—“to remain, to stay, to abide.” It is not the stillness of indifference but the stillness of intention. Jesus is not delayed; He is deliberate. This is the same Greek word that Jesus would use in John 15 to describe what should mark our relationship with Him: “Remain in me” (John 15:5). In both places, the Bible is describing deliberate action.

Some of the deepest struggles in our spiritual lives form around the question, “What do I do when Jesus doesn’t move at the speed of my pain?” Mary and Martha cried out for help. They knew Jesus loved them. They also had witnessed Him heal numerous people, and they knew that if He would get there in time, everything would be okay. But the clock kept ticking, and Lazarus kept slipping away. What they interpreted as Jesus’ absence was preparation for a greater revelation.

Jesus eventually told His disciples exactly why He waited. He said: “It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Jesus knew that a greater story was being written, a resurrection story.

When Jesus finally arrived, Martha ran to Him saying, “Lord, if You had been here…” This statement is similar to the words the disciples would later share on the road to Emmaus when they reflected on Jesus’ crucifixion and said, “We had hoped… “. In both instances, Jesus knew that God would be glorified in a mighty way through resurrection.

This week, point kids to the highs and lows in this story. Remind them that our compassionate God identifies with our pain and went to great lengths to one day make all things right again through His life, death, and resurrection.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.