Takeaways

In many Bibles, the heading of this section is something like “Jesus Raises Lazarus.”  But in reality, Lazarus has more of a walk-on role!

We see

1.  What Jesus told His disciples about going to “awaken” Lazarus

Jesus said Lazarus’ sickness was not meant for death but for the glory of God and He waited to go. When the disciples shared their concerns, Jesus encouraged them to walk in the light. Jesus did what the Father told Him to do and when we stay in step with the Father, we will not stumble.

2. The exchange that Martha had with Jesus and what she affirms/believes

Martha affirms

-that Jesus had the power of life and death

-that He was the Christ – the Messiah.

-that He came into the world / He wasn’t entirely human

-that she believes in Him.

3. Martha’s “stumble” when Jesus asked to roll the stone away

Martha had affirmed her faith, but she had difficulty with the “what” and “how.”  When Jesus asked for the stone to be removed, Martha focused on the potential stench!  

4. What Jesus said to her about faith and seeing the glory of God

Jesus reminded Martha that if she had faith, she would see the glory of God.  Jesus was going to raise Lazarus regardless of the level of Martha’s faith. But if she chose to believe Him, she would have a front-row seat to God’s glory.

Like Martha, we can learn that faith is more than only trusting Jesus for eternal things, but also in the what and how of what He wants to do. At times we have an easier time trusting God for our eternal salvation but a harder time with HOW He’s going to accomplish other things.

We are reluctant to trust the One we already trust.  We worry that what God will ask of us will “stink.” We question if His guidance will work.  He may ask us to forgive when it doesn’t make sense. He may ask us to give expecting nothing in return. He may reveal His glory right in front of us and we miss it.

But if we lean in, and believe, we too will have a front-row seat to His glory.

Reflection Prompters

1. Martha really is a believer; she knows who Jesus is and trusts Him. But when it comes to her participating with Him in what He wants to do, she hesitates (because she anticipates a bad smell!). In what ways do you identify with her struggle? How do you balk when Jesus invites you into something that you initially feel might be awkward or uncomfortable? 

2. If Martha didn’t “believe” (when she was standing before the tomb), Jesus was still going to raise Lazarus. How might her unwillingness to trust Jesus in that moment have interfered with her fully grasping all that Jesus was about to do? How might your hesitancy to trust Jesus in what He is doing keep you from seeing what He is up to? 

3. In what ways does Martha’s “statements of affirmation” speak to your heart?

4. What is God inviting you to do that may feel like something that could “stink” but that could bring Him glory?

5. Truths to write down, meditate on, and pray over:

• Jesus is Someone Who can be trusted
• My faith will grow incrementally.
• God is working for His glory in many ways, sometimes small, in my daily life.
• Lord, help me trust You and obey even when what You ask me to do seems illogical.

• (From the worship set)
  We will not be moved When the earth gives way For the risen One has overcome.