John 11:17-44
Reflect
There is much that has been written about this passage. Today, let’s focus on just two items. First, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, “I am the resurrection and the life…” is followed by a question that Jesus asks all of us: “Do you believe this?” Whether we do believe this or not will show up when Jesus begins to shake things up in our lives, make unusual requests, and asks us to step out in faith. When Jesus requests that the tombstone be rolled away, Martha interjects with a practical reason why this should not be done. She had just declared that she believed in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, but now Jesus is rubbing up against her stated belief. “…if you believe, you will see the glory of God,” Jesus responds in verse 40. How has your belief led you to see the glory of God?
The second item to note is in verse 44. Jesus brings Lazarus back to life, but it is his community that removes the grave clothes. In community, Jesus asks us to help one another to remove the things that are binding us and blinding us. Jesus has given us salvation. He has brought us back to life! However, are we still walking around with grave clothes on? Are we helping others to remove those things that are binding? Take some time to journal your reflections.
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for all our small group leaders. Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.