Sharing Bread John 11:36-37

SHARING BREAD

36 Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"






37 But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?"


John 11:36-37 (NIV)

Certainly there is nothing more winsome and wooing than the demonstration of pure agape love. Of all the graces, Biblical love is in a league of its own. It is supreme in grabbing the attention and influencing the opinions of the world. The word itself means “to love, esteem, cherish, favor, honor, respect, accept, prize, relish; to be devoted to. It is a love rooted in the mind and will of the subject and means to value, treat as precious, to be devoted to.” Hebrew Greek Key Word Study Bible, New Testament Lexical Aids. It is no wonder Paul writes to the Church in Corinth the following:

8 Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:8 (NIV)




Indeed, Paul goes on to write that if our actions are not motivated by love they are basically worth nothing of eternal value - showing agape love to be incomparably the greatest.



1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Cor 13:1-3 (NIV)



13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13 (NIV)




The demonstration of our Lord’s tears - the display of His sympathy - alerted His Jewish audience to His love for Lazarus thereby dropping the anchor that they so desperately needed to see. The fountains from which love flows are always from God – He is the source of its continual supply. It is our Lord’s desire for us to trust Him and His love for us even when we do not understand and our circumstances leave us baffled. Jesus was preparing to be the dawn of their darkest night just as He is for us as well.



“I will be your sustaining strength; and My peace shall garrison your mind. Only TRUST Me – all I do is done in love. Adversities are a necessity. They are part of the pattern of life’s pilgrimage for every individual; and who can escape them? But I say to you, that for those who walk in Me, and for those who are encircled by the intercessory prayers of My children, I will make of the suffering, yes, I will make of the trials a stepping stone to future blessing.”  Frances J. Roberts



17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:17-18 (NIV)




Our eternal perspectives, our hope in things to come and our trust in the love our Lord has for us will sustain us through the temporary sufferings we are allowed to walk through. He is never surprised or amazed at our circumstances neither is He wringing His hands in perplexity over what to do. We are called to a life of trust and faithfulness as well as thankfulness.



“Lord guide me in the Christian race, And keep my mind intent on Thee; Rejoicing when I see thy face, And trusting when I cannot see.” K. H. Von Bogatzky



Lastly, we see the murmurings of those who continued to question - "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" Many commentators believe these remarks to be peevish and sneering, their words implying that if Jesus could have prevented it, He would have – because He did not they were inclined to believe He could not. I am not quite as certain. At the very least, they continue to question “Why?” Yet Jesus was moments away from silencing these whisperers with a greater work than merely preventing Lazarus’ death – Jesus’ “No’s” are always for a far greater “Yes”. We can trust Him in this. Do we believe this?



20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Cor 1:20 (NIV)




11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:11-13 (NIV)




What I glean from this:



• There is nothing more winsome and wooing than agape love – it never fails.


• Jesus’ actions are always motivated by love – I am called to the same high standard through the power of the precious Holy Spirit.


• Jesus’ “No’s” are always for a greater “Yes”.

Sharing Bread John 11:33-35

SHARING BREAD

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 "Where have you laid him?" he asked.






"Come and see, Lord," they replied.



35 Jesus wept.


John 11:33-35 (NIV)

“O the deep, deep love of Jesus, Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean In its fullness over me! Underneath me, all around me, Is the current of Thy love, Leading onward, leading homeward, To my glorious rest above! O the deep, deep love of Jesus, Spread His praise from shore to shore! How He loveth, ever loveth, Changeth never, never more! How He watches o’er His loved ones, Died to call them all His own; How for them He intercedeth, Watcheth o’er them from the throne! O the deep, deep love of Jesus, Love of ev’ry love the best! ‘Tis an ocean full of blessing, ‘Tis a haven giving rest! O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ‘Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me; And it lifts me up to glory, For it lifts me up to Thee!” Samuel Trevor Francis

In our verses for today, we see Jesus moved with empathy and compassion toward the sorrowing of those He loved showing forth the humanity of our Lord as well as the power to sympathize with His people through His tears - the precious dew of heavenly comfort. Our Savior is certainly as able to feel as He is able to save. I am reminded of the words prophesized by the prophet Isaiah regarding our Lord:

4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, Isaiah 53:4 (NIV)




2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61:2-3 (NIV)

Surely no one could refute a “spirit of despair” among the sisters and those who had come to comfort them. Enters our Lord on the scene – “a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering” – coming to comfort and unbeknownst to them, put an end to their grieving as well. Jesus can be touched with feelings for our infirmities and possesses a perfect and thorough understanding of our tears. Certainly there is nothing that ministers more to us when we are distraught and weeping than to have another come alongside and simply weep with us – bearing and sharing our burdens lessens our grief. Paul tells us in Romans this is how we are to show empathy towards another:

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 (NIV)


There is such a depth of tender sympathy in our Savior’s heart. Troubled and groaning in spirit from the sight of Mary and her Jewish comforters weeping, our Lord wept even though He was fully aware the circumstances were on the brink of changing – demonstrating how much His heart is inclined to empathize with us. We have a great High Priest in heaven Who not only continually intercedes for us, but also One who is able to sympathize in all our weaknesses. The writer of Hebrews tells us:

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb 4:14-16 (NIV)

Jesus was well aware that this sorrowing was moments away from turning into joy and that Lazarus was about to be restored to his sisters. Yet rather than being cold, stoic and unmoved by the sight of sorrow, He demonstrates loving grace through a tender heart and a sympathizing spirit.

“We learn the great practical lesson from this verse, that there is nothing unworthy of a Christian in tears. There is nothing unmanly, dishonourable, unwise, or feeble, in being full of sympathy with the afflicted, and ready to weep with them that weep…..We may draw great comfort from the thought that the Saviour in whom we are bid to trust is One who can weep…Sympathy is not sinful, but Christ-like…...Let us strive to be men and women of a tender heart and a sympathizing spirit.” J. C. Ryle

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matt 5:4 (NIV)



What I glean from this:



• Jesus loves me, this I know.


• Jesus is able to comfort me in my afflictions and sorrows.


• I am called to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn”.

Sharing Bread John 11:32

SHARING BREAD

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."


John 11:32 (NIV)


It is interesting to note that when it came to Jesus, it seemed Mary’s favored position was to be at His feet thus suggesting honor. In the day of peace, Mary had placed herself at our Lord’s feet for instruction and now in this day of trouble she places herself at His feet for comfort, help and hope - desirous of receiving His favor – good moves on Mary’s part! We find in Luke the following:

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. Luke 10:38-39 (NIV)

It is also interesting to note that both sisters had the same exact verbal response upon seeing Jesus - giving a profession, albeit non-complete, of the Christian faith and in effect stating they believed He was the all powerful Christ. We find Martha’s words earlier in the chapter:

21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. John 11:21 (NIV)



Yet within their words there was a hint of discouragement and despair not to mention accusation and blame – passion tinged with reproach. Certainly we can relate to that. How easy it is to become discouraged in life’s circumstances and begin to have a tinge of blaming God (if not blatantly blaming Him). We are all apt to say as these sisters – “If you had been here” thus and thus would not have happened as if Christ were not always present and everywhere near His sheep. We pray and work and seek to do God’s will yet things remain dismally the same. We must remember, building faith requires difficulties and God is desirous of building our faith as we should be as well.



“‘He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.’ His love is unfailing, His Word unchangeable, His power ever the same; therefore the heart that trusts Him is kept in ‘perfect peace’……I know He tries me only to increase my faith, and that it is all in love. Well, if He is glorified, I am content.” Hudson Taylor


3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)



Peter gives us the following encouraging words in regards to the building of our faith. Through his words, he demonstrates to us that faith is a living hope which results in a present joy. It is this kind of faith or living hope that enables us to be able to rejoice even when we are called to suffer grief in various types of trials:



6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NIV)



Yet how the sisters wished He had been there. They had full confidence of His ability to heal as well as full confidence in His compassion for His desire to heal. If He had only been there this catastrophe would not have occurred. Their statements remind me of Job’s words when he was confronted by God. He both affirmed God’s abilities as well as professing the folly of questioning them:

1 Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. Job 42:1-3 (NIV)





“On Him then reckon, to Him look, on Him depend: and be assured that if you walk with Him, look to Him and expect help from Him, He will never fail you. An older brother, who has known the Lord for forty-four years, who writes this, says for your encouragement that He has never failed him. In the greatest difficulties, in the heaviest trials, in the deepest poverty and necessities, He has never failed me; but because I was enabled by His grace to trust in Him, He has always appeared for my help. I delight in speaking well of His Name.” George Mueller



16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:16-18 (NIV)




What I glean from this:

• Like Mary, the best place for me to be is at Jesus’ feet – through prayer, the study of His Word and my obedience to it.


• It is easy to blame God for not changing my circumstances yet the reality is, when my circumstances do not change, it is His desire to change me through my circumstances – strengthening and building my faith which is of greater value than gold.


• I am not to lose heart rather fix my eyes on Jesus.

Sharing Bread John 11:30-31

SHARING BREAD

30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.


John 11:30-31 (NIV)


I think it’s cool that Jesus remains steady in the place of His last encounter. It reminds me that when I experience a distance from our Lord it is not He that has moved, rather me. He is the very constant One – remaining continuously the same. His love is always deep, abiding, tender and constant – He changes not and His compassions fail not – He is forever faithful, even when He remains seemingly silent.

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb 13:8 (NIV)

In David’s Messianic Psalm 22 we see displayed both the silence and the salvation. At this point in our story, certainly Mary and Martha could have related to David’s verse two unbeknownst that verse 24 was on its way:

2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. Psalms 22:2 (NIV)



24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. Psalms 22:24 (NIV)


In our verses for today we see Jesus awaiting Mary’s arrival for a one on One with her as well. Our Lord was never in a hurry – His timing always perfect - He therefore waits for the fullness of time to arrive. Jesus was merely continuing to set the stage for the miraculous to occur. Enter Mary on the scene followed by all those who had come to mourn with her. We had discovered earlier in the chapter that many had come to comfort the sisters, kindly feeling for them in their heavy bereavement. They were there for others, comforting them in their hour of need. This kindness shown to these sisters was about to be richly rewarded by our Savior:

18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. John 11:18-19 (NIV)



It is interesting to note that to show loving kindness and sympathy to those who are sorrowing in spirit is advantageous for our own souls as well. While Scripture commands us to “mourn with those who mourn” – comforting the downtrodden - in all actuality, this action strengthens our own hearts and spirits. Some of the sourest and unhappy people we know are those who choose to live for self only. Rest assured - we certainly cannot out give God. What we willingly do in His Name and for His glory He so abundantly blesses, it leaves us only to question why we are not constantly about doing His bidding. In our verses for today, these friends of Mary and Martha were about to see this wonderful promise verified – unexpectedly becoming eye witnesses of a stupendous miracle. I am reminded of God’s Word penned by Luke:

38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 (NIV)



Paul stretches our thoughts on this subject as well:



7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Gal 6:7-10 (NIV)



Our God is the God of all comfort and hope – filling us with joy and peace as we rest in Him. We in turn, as followers of our Lord Jesus are to pour out that comfort and hope to those in our spheres. We serve a needy world. Heartache and disappointment abound, not to mention loneliness and a vast array of all sorts of ills and needs. As God gives us opportunities to minister His grace to others, we are the ultimate losers if we forgo them.

“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.” Frederick Buechner

"Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received -- only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage." St. Francis of Assisi

“Encouragement costs you nothing to give, but it is priceless to receive.” Anonymous

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Cor 1:3-4 (NIV)




What I glean from this:



• If I feel a distance from Jesus, I am the one that has moved – He remains constant.


• Jesus was never in a hurry – He abided in God’s perfect timing.


• I am to comfort others with the comfort I have so abundantly received.

Sharing Bread John 11:28-29

SHARING BREAD

28 And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.


John 11:28-29 (NIV)


What do we do when, like Mary, life deals us such a harsh blow that, quite literally, it takes our breath away? These difficult circumstances happen to us all –albeit perhaps in varying degrees – but nevertheless they happen. A death, a bad diagnosis, a divorce, any dire disaster that shakes us to the core leaving us weak kneed, stunned and breathless. It certainly takes a while to process and longer still to acclimate to the “new” normal – most often, life as we have known it, forever changes. In our verses for today, Mary remains devastated. Perhaps she lay prostrated since Scripture stated “she got up”. With friends gathered around her to console her, Mary appears to be despondent – her brother now buried and her Savior was a no show, or so she thought. Enter the great Shepherd on the scene asking to see His forlorn lamb – how like Jesus. I am reminded of the comforting words He utters to us all in Matthew:

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30 (NIV)




“At the most unexpected moments in your life there is this whisper of the Lord – ‘Come to Me,’ and you are immediately drawn to Him. Personal contact with Jesus changes everything….The attitude necessary for you to come to Him is one where your will has made the determination to let go of everything and deliberately commit it all to Him.” Oswald Chambers




“A man’s heart is right when he wills what God wills.” Thomas Aquinas




“To will what God wills brings peace.” Amy Carmichael




It is our Lord’s desire for us to rest secure in Him. He tells us His peace is readily available as we draw near to Him. He offers us this continual state of untroubled, undisturbed, well-being. No person or thing the world has to offer can continually accomplish such a feat as this. We have no need to be fearful. We have no need to be ridden with anxiety. As we relinquish our will for His perfect will peace enters the heart. The striving and warring in our spirits cease. We will never come to our Lord and be the poorer for it. He always exchanges our small efforts and pittances with His vast abundance of boundless riches. His mercy, grace and peace are available to all who willingly come. Our Lord can be trusted. Jesus gives us this wonderful promise a little later in John:



27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)

“We sleep in peace in the arms of God, when we yield ourselves up to His providence.” Francois Fenelon

“For He that keeps you neither slumbers nor sleeps. The Lord your God is your strength, and in Him is no weariness. He never tires of you coming to Him, and your cry is welcome to His ears however frequent. Cast yourself upon His mercies; for His loving-kindness never fails, and His grace and compassion are inexhaustible. His faithfulness is extended to all generations.” Frances J. Roberts

I am reminded of Moses’ comforting words in Deuteronomy:



"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." Deut 33:12 (NIV)

Perhaps we are not as Mary, rather Martha, sent by the Lord to encourage the stricken to “Come”. Martha had just experienced her on encounter with the Lord receiving His sufficiency. Not too dissimilar to the woman at the well who went with the call of “Come” to her entire town, Martha musters Mary to action. Are you called to encourage, are you called to tell others what the Savior has done for you? Be faithful. Beautiful feet should be all of our agendas:

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)




What I glean from this:



• Sometimes life circumstances can shake me to the core, leaving me both weak kneed and breathless – I should quickly go to the Master for He is calling me to “Come”.


• Jesus gives me peace – I do not need to be anxious or troubled.


• Sometimes God sends me to encourage the stricken and the down-trodden to “Come”. I am to be faithful.

Sharing Bread John 11:27

SHARING BREAD

27 "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."


John 11:27 (NIV)


In our verse for today, Martha gives us a clear confession of her faith in Jesus albeit yet partial - still lacking a complete and full understanding (I can certainly relate here!). The more we receive, the more we are enlightened as to how much there remains still wanting regarding our faith in our Lord. Yet baby steps of faith opens the door to more while unbelief receives nothing. Faith also opens all the treasures of God and never goes away empty. Beginning with an affirmative reply to His question of her belief and with an unfeigned assent she utters “Yes Lord”. Not too dissimilar to Peter’s confession when the Lord asked of him:

15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matt 16:15-16 (NIV)





From the clear commendation Peter subsequently received from Jesus regarding his confession, we can safely assume that Martha’s found favor with our Lord as well. Remember, He begins where we are and fans that faith into a flame. They had both come to the correct conclusion regarding the person of Christ – He was the Messiah that was to come, the Son of God - albeit not thoroughly understanding the whole death and resurrection arena and that He was very God in bodily form. I am reminded of an Anglican prayer of the past century and one that I often utter heavenward:



“Father, what we know not – teach us; what we have not - give us; what we are not – make us, for Jesus sake.” Anglican Prayer





Their thinking had not come through their own abilities, as Jesus points out in the verse below, yet rather revealed to them by the Father:



17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” Matt 16:17 (NIV)




I am reminded of the words of Paul in Romans regarding the faith he proclaimed stating clearly salvation comes through acknowledging to God that Christ is God and believing in Him – we confess with our mouth and we believe with our heart:



8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:8-13 (NIV)

Even nature sings the song of confession through its display of loveliness – the majestic creation is evidence of an even more majestic Creator God. Its message reaches all nations being equally intelligible to them all. We find in Psalm 19:



1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalms 19:1-4 (NIV)



This is why Paul states in Romans the following Truth regarding the lack of man’s excuse to those who choose to suppress the Truth by their wickedness. The knowledge of a Creator being evidenced in what is seen. It is a revelation given to all men – even one look at an exquisite lily should confirm a Creator:



18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)




Quite literally in the Greek, Martha stated “I have believed and do believe” the following things concerning Jesus: that He was the Christ, that He was the Son of God and that it was He who was to come – the coming prophesized Messiah. Her theology had its fulfillment in the future and Jesus drew her belief into an intimate possession.



“If she admits this, that Jesus is the Christ, there is no difficulty in believing that He is the resurrection and the life. He is the fountain of light and truth, and we may take all His sayings as faithful and divine. He is the fountain of life and blessedness, and we may therefore depend on His ability.” Matthew Henry



“Someday you will see Me face to Face, but for now you love Me without having seen Me. You believe in Me even though you do not see Me. This is a most blessed way to live, and it demonstrates your membership in My royal family. Your love for Me – My unseen Person – is not irrational or whimsical. It is a response to My boundless Love for you – dramatically displayed on the cross and verified by My resurrection. You worship a risen, living Savior! Blessed are those who have not seen me and yet have believed.” Sarah Young



What I glean from this:



• Jesus honors my baby steps of faith by growing it.


• All of creation is God’s masterpiece and points to Him – the Creator.


• I love and worship a risen, living Savior.

Sharing Bread John 11:25-26

SHARING BREAD

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"


John 11:25-26 (NIV)

God has firmly established a plan of grace for all mankind which both begins and ends with Jesus. I am reminded of our Lord’s Words in Revelation:

8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Rev 1:8 (NIV)




17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Rev 1:17-18 (NIV)



Indeed, Jesus’ first two Words in our verses for today – “I AM”- are indicative of Deity meaning: “I myself am He who is”. Our all powerful Savior is mighty to save. Here He lovingly corrects Martha’s feeble faith by setting before her this high and exalted description of Himself. He needs no help. He possesses all capabilities. He is the all sufficient One. He was and is not merely a human teacher, He was and is the Divine Author and Perfecter of our faith and answer to man’s dire dilemma.



“I am that high and holy One who by taking man’s nature upon Me, have ennobled his body, and made its resurrection possible. I am the great First Cause and Procurer of man’s resurrection, the Conqueror of death, and the Saviour of the body. I am the great Spring and Source of all life, and whatever life any one has, eternal, spiritual, physical, is all owing to Me. All that are raised from the grave will be raised by Me. All that are spiritually quickened are quickened by Me. Separate from Me there is no life at all. Death came by Adam: life comes by Me.”   Chrysostom



20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Cor 15:20-22 (NIV)




I wonder, Like Martha, do we place Jesus just a little above our own levels? Do we think of Him as merely a man sans the all achieving power to aid and comfort and encourage and heal and save us? I am reminded of the comforting words found in Zephaniah:



17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph 3:17 (NIV)



For believers in Jesus, the Lord has broken the bondage from the dominion of sin enabling us to no longer be held captive to its control. He lovingly cares for us, satisfying us in a sun drenched land. Yet, like the Israelites, when we become satisfied we often become proud forgetting the One who brought us to the dance so to speak. We wrongly fall into the pattern of seeking to be our own savior – taking things in our own hands – living life apart from His power when it is so readily ours for the asking - bad idea, to say the least.



“It highly concerns believers, who desire to keep a constant peace in their bosoms, to be ever sensible of their spiritual poverty, and to feed and rest wholly on the all-sufficient atonement and righteousness of Jesus Christ. Disquiet of mind, and laziness of soul, often proceed from self-righteousness, and not looking to Christ for every thing, but trusting secretly to something in our- selves.” K. H. Von Bogatzky




Hosea puts it this way:



4 "But I am the LORD your God, [who brought you] out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me. 5 I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat. 6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. Hosea 13:4-6 (NIV)



The depth of Jesus’ Words to Martha leaves us feeling as if we can comprehend but a faint glimmer - a mere sliver of light in the darkness. Yet we may take courage in that what is now muddled will one day be made pristinely plain. Paul tells us:



12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Cor 13:12 (NIV)



This we can be assured of – no prophet or Apostle spoke such as this – truly, only the One who knew He was God could proclaim these Words and subsequently provide proof for His claim. In a wondrous, loving-kindness act of God toward all mankind – when mankind had a right to expect nothing but was given everything – Jesus bled and died for our sins and was raised again. Lazarus tomb would become empty by our Lord’s Word only to be filled again; yet Jesus’ tomb would become empty and remain empty. “Do you believe this?”



“On Calvary, the One from whom you and I have a right to expect nothing because of our disobedience and sin, nevertheless, has given us everything! This is the deep, indefinable grace of the God who loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us, so that if we confess our sins, turn from them and put our faith in Christ we can live with Him forever. This is the mystery of a love that cannot be contained, that we cannot even hope to speak. We are to love our enemies because God loved His enemies – us.” Michael Card



“Jesus! What a friend for sinners! Jesus lover of my soul! Friends may fail me, foes assail me; He, my Savior, makes me whole. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.” Wilbur Chapman



What I glean from this:



• The plan of grace for all mankind begins and ends with Jesus.


• Jesus is mighty to save.


• When I deserved nothing, Jesus gave me everything.

Sharing Bread John 11:23-24

SHARING BREAD

23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."






24 Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."


John 11:23-24 (NIV)

Being the pious Jewess lady that she was - educated, equipped and efficient - Martha knew her Scriptures. When Jesus stated: "Your brother will rise again", her mind must have flashed instantly to the Prophet Daniel’s words prophesying the future promise of the resurrected life:

2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Dan 12:2-3 (NIV)



Earlier in John, Jesus had previously attested to the fact that this universal resurrection would be accomplished through Him although Martha had not yet quite grasped this Truth:



24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. 28 "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. John 5:24-30 (NIV)



40 For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40 (NIV)




Jesus’ life giving achieving power can call a person out of the grave or from their tomb or from spiritual death to life eternal. At His command, there will be a future universal resurrection. It was this universal resurrection that will occur at the last day that Martha alluded to. She was aware that Lazarus would rise again on that day yet she was unaware that it would be through Jesus. Ever like our Lord to know where to begin a conversation – He loves to draw out the faith and knowledge of His followers by degrees. In Martha He sees this spark of faith and He lovingly leans down and begins to fan it into flame.



“A fixed, constant attention to the promises, and a firm belief in them, would prevent solicitude and anxiety about the concerns of this life. It would keep the mind quiet and composed in every change, and support and keep up our sinking spirits under the several troubles of life….Christians deprive themselves of their most solid comforts by their unbelief and forgetfulness of God’s promises. For there is no extremity so great but there are promises suitable to it, and abundantly sufficient for our relief in it.” Samuel Clarke



Our Lord was about to draw Martha further still in her faith. While she believed for certain in a universal resurrection on the last day, Jesus was about to clarify to her through Whom that even she herself would be enabled to stand and live. Out of this calamity, He was about to show her certain victory. Daniel had prophesied some would awaken to everlasting life while sadly others to everlasting shame and contempt. He also wrote that those who were wise would shine and those who lead others to righteousness would be as bright as the stars – their glorified bodies shining forth with splendor and honor. Jesus clarifies this prophecy by telling us that those who hear His Word and believe His message have crossed from death to life, having both abundant life now and eternal life later. Interestingly, if while living we remain dead to His message, how dare we to think we will hear His voice when dead and then subsequently live?



Jesus quite clearly states to His unbelieving Jewish hearers earlier in John:



42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. John 8:42-43 (NIV)




45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47 He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." John 8:45-47 (NIV)




“When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, Our Father’s full giving is only begun. His love has no limit; His grace has no measure. His pow’r has no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!” Annie Johnson




“Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!” Henry van Dyke





What I glean from this:



• There is going to be s universal resurrection on the last day – I can count on it.


• Those who have heard and heeded to Jesus’ voice will rise and live while those who have not believed will rise to be condemned.


• Jesus gives and gives and gives again!

Sharing Bread John 11:21-22

SHARING BREAD

21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."


John 11:21-22 (NIV)

Believing in Christ’s power, Martha, with her honest impulsiveness, was first to speak the prevailing sentiment of the crowd -"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died". She knew if Jesus had but seen her brother in his dire condition He would have been filled with compassion for His friend and healed him. We find Mary stating the same thing a little later in the chapter:

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." John 11:32 (NIV)


The crowds echoed the sister’s sentiments as well:

37 But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" John 11:37 (NIV)




It seems perhaps all had forgotten that the physical presence of the Savior was not necessary for the healing to have taken place. They all seemed to have limited Christ’s achieving power by assuming He could not cure from a distance. There remained in their thinking something of unbelief at the bottom of it all. They certainly should have known that Jesus could have both healed Lazarus and prevented his death with but one Word from His holy lips. Had they forgotten about the healing of the Roman centurion’s servant? Jesus had already proven His abilities through that miracle performed but oftentimes our memories have a way of lapsing or failing us when troubles fall upon us and our hearts are breaking. We find the account of this healing below:



5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." 7 Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." 8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour. Matt 8:5-13 (NIV)





The Proverb holds true, hope deferred certainly makes the heart sick – I am confident Martha could “Amen” that! Yet all the while our disappointments are merely God’s appointments, each setback used as a tool to regain our focus on Him, to strengthen our faith and to divert our attention to His best for our lives. That is the definition of the encompassing “All” of Romans 8:28:



28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)



“All means all; and when we realize that, it gives us a basis for lifelong optimism….It isn’t a mere platitude, but a divine promise. It isn’t a goal, but a guarantee. It isn’t wishful thinking, but a shaft of almighty providence that lands squarely on our pathway each day and every moment. The Lord moves heaven and earth to keep this promise. He puts His eye to the microscope of Providential Oversight and scans the smallest details of our lives, working them into a tapestry of blessing, making sure that goodness and mercy follow us all our days.” Robert J. Morgan



Prior to Jesus’ return to them, certainly Martha and Mary did not “feel” the fullness of this glorious promise. Yet we see in Martha’s next statement to our Lord a spark of continued faith and hope though not without its blemishes. She humbly presents the case to the compassionate and wise consideration of her Master. This is a smart move and one we should seek to emulate as well – when we do not know what to ask for or expect, let us always refer ourselves to the Lord Jesus. She knew enough to know that with Jesus, no situation was hopeless or helpless though she certainly knows not how. She held strong confidence in our Lord’s prayers. Martha believed Jesus could receive anything from God’s hand - again attesting to a partial faith. She speaks of our Lord as if He was a prophet only – having no achieving power of His own, as God, to perform any miracle or command any cure. Unfortunately, ignorance and dimness of Jesus often runs rampant among those who embrace true faith and love of Him. Even possessing a faith the size of a grain of mustard seed can save yet sadly, how much ignorance of Jesus may be found in those on the way to heaven. How we as earthly sojourners miss the sheer pleasure and the blessing of knowing Him more fully through our continued ignorance!



Keep thine eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to Him; when thou liest down at night look to Him. Oh! Let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after Him, and He will never fail thee.” C. H. Spurgeon



“I’m seeing how robust and cogent, how versatile, sweeping and effective is the message and life of our Jesus. He fits. He is not ‘foreign’ to any person no matter their origins. His teachings work in ANY culture. His Being and Life resonates to all who hear of Him, to all who hear Him. He infuses and changes us forever.” Paula Kirby

What I glean from this:

• When my heart is breaking my memory of the hope of Jesus often fails me.


• With Jesus no situation is hopeless or helpless.


• My purpose in life is to seek to know Him. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Phil 3:7-11 (NIV)

Sharing Bread John 11:20

SHARING BREAD

20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.


John 11:20 (NIV)


Interestingly, while Mary, through grace, had earlier demonstrated the most honorable course of action by sitting and soaking at the Lord’s feet and subsequently receiving Jesus’ commendation, in our verse for today, we now see her sister Martha, again through grace, choosing the “one thing needed” which was to be with Jesus. The absence or silence of Jesus had prompted Martha to value His presence all the more and yet Mary stayed at home. In our verse for today and in the verses below we are privy to see the strengths of the different temperaments of each sister fleshed out, each shining forth in the circumstance most conducive to their make ups. We find in Luke the following:

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)





In the above passage we see Martha distracted by duties keeping her from enjoying the peace that comes from simply being at the feet of Jesus. Likewise, in our verse for today, we see Mary missing His presence through mourning. Such are the failings of the flesh. Our tendency, like Martha, may be towards the busyness of this world constantly distracted by the tyranny of the urgent. Our focus on the Lord lost in the “To-Do List” of today sadly missing God’s best for our lives which, of course, is Jesus. Perhaps our temperament is more akin to pensive Mary, meditative, contemplative and meek – missing Jesus by sitting passively at home crushed and stunned, paralyzed by the weight of affliction and grief. Certainly both of these holy women were disciples of our Lord yet through Scripture we find in each temperament the failings of the flesh which misses God’s best. This should be a heads up for us as well. What keeps us from fixing our eyes on Jesus? Whatever it is, we need to handle it – lay it aside, keep from being entangled or ensnared by it, or we will certainly miss God’s best and we really don’t want to go there. We are told by the writer of Hebrews:



1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NIV)



We see wonderful examples throughout Scripture of those who rightly choose to rest in the Lord’s presence through trials and tribulation, through sickness and suffering, through sorrow and solitude, receiving the blessing that most assuredly comes by seeking refuge in Him. King David comes to mind as one who constantly wrote of finding his strength and refuge in the Lord. We find this to be his habit in the following examples of the Psalms he penned:



1 O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, Psalms 7:1 (NIV)




9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalms 9:9-10 (NIV)



2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalms 18:2-3 (NIV)




When all his men had turned against him and even talked of stoning him because of their bitterness of spirit over the loss of their sons and daughters, Scripture tells us David’s initial actions proving, yet again, God to be his stronghold and ever present help in times of trouble:



6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. 1 Sam 30:6 (NIV)




This should be a heads up for us as well. David’s first resort – his most expedient course of action – which should be ours as well – was turning to the Lord, fleeing to Him for safety and refuge. Here he found strength, safety, satisfaction and peace. It is no wonder God calls him a man after His own heart.



“Nearness to Christ, intimacy with Him, assimilation to His character – these are the elements of a ministry of power.” Horatius Bonar




“There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God; A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God. O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God. There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God; A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God. O Jesus blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God. There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God; A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God. O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.” Cleland B. McAfee




What I glean from this:



• I can be distracted from Jesus by duties or “To-Do List’s”, afflictions or grief.


• I am to fix my eyes on Jesus.


• Jesus is my stronghold, my strong tower. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 (NIV)

Sharing Bread John 11:17-19

SHARING BREAD

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.


John 11:17-19 (NIV)

We can be certain that no words are placed in Scripture as merely superfluous or as filler – each Word used has merit, carries meaning and is destined to pack a purposeful punch. This is why Jesus states the following regarding the pure treasure of Scripture in the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew:

17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matt 5:17-18 (NIV)



Scripture states about Scripture:



16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV)




6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. Psalms 12:6 (NIV)




Scripture makes plainly clear three things found in our verses for today: Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, Bethany, where Lazarus lay, was only two miles from Jerusalem and many had come to comfort the mourning sisters over the death of their brother. The scene set was filled with sadness and lack of hope – I doubt many believed the situation was going to immediately improve – including Mary and Martha. Lazarus was dead, that was a fact, and the crowds had come to comfort. These are the makings ripe for a miracle. Certainly no one could contest that Lazarus was no longer living having been already in the tomb for days. The mention of Jerusalem being so close indicates to the reader the wondrous miracle would occur near the great city, a mere walk from the temple and perhaps even in view. There would also have been greater crowds to witness the finger marks of God in the raising of Lazarus hence the mention of many Jews already being there to comfort the sisters.



We have the benefit of seeing this story after the fact – hindsight being always 20/20. Perhaps we would do well to put on these sister’s sandals for a moment and try to feel what they were then living. Those four days must have been heart rending for both Mary and Martha. So many questions had to be going through their minds. Where was Jesus? Why had He not come when they called? Did He not love them? Did He not care about their circumstance, their dire plight? They had to have felt dejected, rejected and forlorn. Yet Jesus was entrusting to them the grace of His silence albeit at the time they had no idea of the preciousness of the gift. This intimacy of silence in the faith walk is given for the greater work of God to come forth. This brings much glory to God and strengthens and satisfies the pilgrim’s walk. Oftentimes we simply do not understand God’s ways – we seek His face, we find Him not.



14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?" Job 26:14 (NIV)



Do not be confused, God is always with us even when we may not see or hear Him – He often waits to make us aware of both His presence and voice until the fullness of time for His wondrous workings. There is always purpose in the wait. I am reminded of blameless Job’s words in the midst of his fierce trials yet all the while clinging to his faith:



8 "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. 9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:8-10 (NIV)



25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27 (NIV)




“However devoted you are to God, you may be sure that He is immeasurably more devoted to you.” Meister Eckhart

These are faith growing times my friends and though we often run from rather than embrace them they are only allowed for our good and His glory. Interestingly, from Scripture we see God permits these periods in the lives of those nearest and dearest to Him and whose hearts desire was to go further still with their Master therefore they could be trusted with such a great gift as silence. And God proved faithful again and again. These examples are given to us who are now present sojourners so that we will not grow weary and lose heart as they encourage, equip and prepare us as well. Paul tells us in Romans:

4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)




“And the only way to know the God of the Word is to know the Word of God.” Donna Evans

What I glean from this:



• Nothing written in Scripture is superfluous or filler.


• Darkness precedes daylight both in nature and in a life.


• God is always with me even if I do not see or hear Him.

Sharing Bread John 11:14-16

SHARING BREAD

14 So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."






16 Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."


John 11:14-16 (NIV)

With plainness and exactness of speech, Jesus states frankly to His disciples, “Lazarus is dead”. Our Lord goes in a progression from simple sweetness in a language of beauty, to stark reality in communicating to His guys their friend Lazarus’ condition. He first begins with “Let us go back to Judea”; followed with “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up”; and ending with plainly stating “Lazarus is dead”. Sometimes, like these disciples, we just have to be hit right between the eyes with the plain and solid Truth sans the cloaking of gentleness and sweetness. Lazarus had died and Jesus was going to go raise him from the dead and apparently that was the furthermost thing from His disciple’s minds.

“I do not work only in cases where there are no obstacles; but I glory in overruling the prevailing circumstances, and I take pleasure in bringing victories in those places where no victory is anywhere in sight.” Frances J. Roberts

Often, like these first disciples, we seem to place Jesus on a level playing field with ourselves while He stands alone - so far above - and so totally Other. Every action our Lord does has meaning and purpose and is wrapped in love whether we are able to discern this or not. He is, and always has been, all about building faith among His followers which ultimately brings glory to His Father. Unbeknownst to His disciples in our verses for today, He was about to exponentially grow their faith and trust – not to mention others as well - yet they remained clueless. I fear we oftentimes do the same. To believe more and trust more is the hallmark of Christian growth yet we often spurn the methods of achieving them in our lives. Believer, we must never wonder if God has our best interest at heart.

“We must believe there are wise reasons why God does not come to our help at once and take the suffering away….To believe more and trust more, is the real secret of Christian growth, progress, and prosperity. To make us believe more is the end of all Christ’s dealings with us.” J. C. Ryle

A wonderful example of this fleshed out is the great missionary to the orphans George Muller - a man of great faith and prayer. Of him it is written the following:

“Gradually God’s providence led Mr. Mueller to the sphere of his life’s work. Now at Bristol, after the young minister’s soul had been strengthened by eighteen months of trust for the success of the Institution, God was ready to thrust him forth into his real mission. Other activities were but preparatory to the orphanage work. God had at length through the devious paths of providence faith-energized a man to who He could trust this important activity.” Basil Miller


The Word of the Lord penned by the prophet Jeremiah comes to mind:

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:11-13 (NIV)


This is why the Bible so clearly teaches we are to set our hearts and minds on things above rather than on our circumstances. We are to rest secure in Him as we walk through our valleys and He will take us form strength to strength. We are to be dominated by the pattern of heaven – which brings God much glory and us much satisfaction. This gives eternal direction to our earthly duties as well. Paul tells us in Colossians:

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col 3:1-4 (NIV)



“A fixed, constant attention to the promises, and a firm belief in them, would prevent solicitude and anxiety about the concerns of this life. It would keep the mind quiet and composed in every change, and support and keep up our sinking spirits under the several troubles of life….Christians deprive themselves of their most solid comforts by their unbelief and forgetfulness of God’s promises. For there is no extremity so great but there are promises suitable to it, and abundantly sufficient for our relief in it.” Samuel Clarke




“Our satisfaction and contentment in life does not come from riches but from righteousness.” Robert J. Morgan

Seemingly ever ready to look on the dark and negative side of things, Thomas blurts out that alas they will all die with Lazarus. He takes the worst possible view and spreads doubt and fear among his hearers. Thomas’ thoughts evidently gravitated towards the expectation of receiving harsh treatment from the Jews upon their arrival. He therefore states his gloom and doom spreading the downer venom to his hearers. He apparently is the chicken little of the group – always ready for the sky to fall. Interestingly, Scripture does not note a response from our Lord.

“Let it be noted that a man may have notable weaknesses and infirmities of Christian character, and yet be a disciple of Christ. There is no more common fault among believers, perhaps, than despondency and unbelief. A reckless readiness to die and make an end of our troubles is not grace but impatience.” J. C. Ryle

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalms 84:11-12 (NIV)


What I glean from this:

• Jesus is able to overrule all circumstances. He is not on my playing field (to say the least!).


• Jesus desires to grow my faith and trust in Him.


• Righteousness brings both satisfaction and contentment.