Scripture to Read: John 11:7–15
As we read John 11:7–15, we see that after a couple of days had passed, Jesus told His disciples it was time to go back to Judea. The disciples all remembered that when they had left Judea, the religious leaders were the ones who wanted to stone Jesus to death. The disciples quickly brought that point up to Jesus, but Jesus reassured them that they had nothing to worry about as long as they traveled in broad daylight. Then, Jesus told the disciples why they needed to return to Judea. We read in John 11:11, …He *said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep.” Jesus knew Lazarus had died, but He also knew the Father’s perfect plan for Lazarus. Jesus used the familiar metaphor, “fallen asleep,” to share with the disciples that Lazarus had died. Obviously, the disciples missed what Jesus told them, for we read in John 11:12, The disciples then said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Sometimes, if we are not careful in reading and studying God’s Word, we can miss an obvious Truth from our Lord because we’re not paying close attention. Jesus was incredibly gracious and kind and said in John 11:14–15, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.” Note that Jesus said He was glad He was not there so the disciples might believe—Jesus knew what was about to happen.
Challenge & Application
• Why were the disciples initially fearful about returning to Judea, and how did Jesus comfort their hearts?
• What was Jesus’ goal for the disciples through the miracle He would perform in Judea?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!