Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER:

Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, fell gravely ill in their village. In a desperate plea for help, Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus, their beloved friend, exclaiming, "Lord, the one you love is sick." The context surrounding this verse is crucial, as it highlights the depth of Jesus' love for this family. Despite his profound affection for them, when he learned of Lazarus' illness, he curiously delayed his departure for two more days, which was a seemingly perplexing decision. However, these two days hold a vital role in the larger narrative, ultimately leading to Jesus' decision to head back to Judea and perform one of his most astonishing miracles, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, which will serve as a pivotal moment in revealing Jesus' divine nature and reinforcing the message of hope and resurrection.

LEARN:

When Jesus arrived to console Mary and Martha after Lazarus had been dead for four days, the sisters' reactions highlight a common aspect of grief: the yearning for a different outcome. Both Martha and Mary exclaimed that if Jesus had been present, their beloved brother wouldn't have died. Jesus, aware of the divine plan, reassured them that Lazarus would rise again. However, it was when Jesus saw Mary's tears and the mourning of the Jews who gathered, that his own heart was moved to tears. These tears were not indicative of a missed opportunity, for Jesus possessed knowledge of the appointed time for Lazarus' resurrection. Instead, they were a testament to the shared human experience of mourning and the deep empathy he felt for those who suffered. Jesus’ grief represented the true weight of how death impacts all of humanity.

APPLY:

Sometimes it may be difficult to understand the greater purposes of God. Yet often times, it is in our suffering and grief that God’s character and glory is revealed to us a new way that we would have never experienced without it. Additionally, in the midst of our suffering we can be comforted in knowing that Jesus grieves in what we have grieved. Just as he wept with Mary, his heart breaks with those whose hearts are broken. We serve a merciful God who is deeply acquainted with our grief. So today, may this understanding guide you through challenging times, granting you the strength to persevere, while also fostering in you, empathy and support for another who is hurting.