March 29 | John 11:1-44

Elaine Pierce
Mar 29
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Believe Him!

By Elaine Pierce

John doesn't tell us the name of the bride and groom who ran out of wine at their wedding feast (John 2). He doesn't tell us the name of the royal official whose son is sick and dying (John 4). We don't know the name of the man who was lame for 38 years (John 5). And the name of the man born blind is not revealed to us (John 9). But in John 11, we learn about Jesus' dear friends, sisters Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus. In fact, John tells us that "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus (11:5)." Wow. Wouldn't you like to be friends like that? To have a close and loving relationship with Jesus? Oh....wait a minute...that very relationship is ours - all we have to do is ask!

Mary and Martha were frustrated that Jesus didn't immediately come to Bethany when they sent word that Lazarus was sick. If he hadn't waited 4 days, he could have healed him. But Jesus was fulfilling God's plan for him: "It is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it. (v. 4)."

I've often wondered why Jesus wept right before he called Lazarus out of the tomb. He knew what he was going to do - he was going to raise him from the dead! He knew how thrilling and awesome this would be. But he also knew how deeply Mary and Martha mourned their brother's death. Death is not natural - we are designed for eternity - but until Jesus returns, we will all walk through that valley with friends, with loved ones, and finally, we will die ourselves. Jesus feels our sorrow deeply. Verse 33 tells us that "when Jesus saw her [Mary] weeping and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled."

Jesus loves us deeply. He mourns with us. He rejoices with us. He makes us whole. Today is Palm Sunday. Be sure to raise your palm leaf and joyously sing "Hallelujah! He is Risen!" And let's remember what he said right before he raised Lazarus: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe that? (v. 25)"

Let's answer that question with a resounding Yes and Amen!

PRAYER

Lord, you know my every thought, and you love me deeply, unreservedly, completely. Like Mary, I fall at your feet, and when I weep, you weep. Thanks be to God for the gift of eternal life. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!