The Death of Lazarus

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. John 11:1-15

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12

Jesus knew that Lazarus, his friend, was sick and would die. None the less Jesus did not immediately go to help him until he died. Then Jesus went to him, and his two sisters Mary and Martha. Jesus knew what would happen and what lessons He wanted to teach His disciples. Jesus used the word sleep to communicate death because when Jesus would resurrect him it would seem like sleep to Lazarus. But when Jesus would resurrect Lazarus the disciples would believe that He was indeed the Messiah. Just like us, if we were convinced that Jesus could resurrect those who were dead, we also would believe and we would ask Him to heal us of our diseases.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord God, we come to You today to ask for more help. We ask that You will help with our problems. We feel that our addictions are so strong it is like wrestling with death and we have no hope unless you step in to help us. We hope you are able to take care of Lazarus and if you can we ask for Your help as well. Thank You for always being there for us to get the help we need. We appreciate Your help as much as we understand You. Thank You for Your love for us.