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JESUS IS THE WAY OUT
John 11 begins with “a certain man was ill.” All of us are “ill.” Physically, emotionally, or mentally. Whatever it is, the truth is that we all have some kind of sickness, heartache, or heartbreak. And at the most basic level of our lives, we’re all sinners- and that’s an illness we just can’t seem to shake. But we try! We don’t want to be surrounded by brokenness, bad feelings, or rotten things. So, we look for a way out. But often the things we look to as a way out of suffering are really about meeting our own desires for pleasure, comfort, and safety. And so, we don’t really find a way out at all. we just transfer our brokenness from one location to another. Or from one job to another. Or from one relationship to another. But we’re still sick with sin.
In this story of Jesus and his friend Lazarus, it is clear that it’s not just deliverance from physical suffering and death that Jesus is interested in. Rather, this incident shined a spotlight on spiritual life and death. Physical death is a certainty for everyone, even Lazarus would die again one day. But Jesus says, “I AM the resurrection and the life.” Not long after this miracle, Jesus went to the cross. He died the ultimate death to overcome the ultimate problem. Neither Lazarus, nor you, nor your friend looking for a way out needs to be trapped by sin any longer. Jesus is the only way out.
Ask Yourself:
-What has Jesus rescued me from?
-Who in my life is looking for a way out?
Pause to Pray: Jesus, You are the only way out of brokenness. Don’t let me forget how great a sacrifice you made to rescue me from my sin so that my life and my faith are magnetic- drawing people to You. Amen.
Take a Next Step:
- Get the conversation started! Try this with someone you’ve been praying for:
“If death is everyone’s destiny, why are we so afraid of it?”
“Where do you feel stuck?”
“If you could change something about your life, what would it be and why?”
-In your journal, brainstorm your own conversation starters! How will you help draw people to Jesus as the Way Out?
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About this Plan
Even though they may not realize it, every person you rub shoulders with is trying to scratch an itch. They’re trying to get at the answers to deep questions. Dr. Daniel Strange, in his book, Making Faith Magnetic, has provided insight and practical application into how we can engage five universal questions with truth. Learn how the magnetic points will help us connect the people in our lives to Christ.
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