Lesson 4532

 Lesson 4532)(06-30-24) John 11:1-15 

“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.” 

 

In today’s lesson, Jesus learned that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was ill. (Although being God, He had known that was going to happen from the beginning of time.) Despite His love for the family, He delayed going to them, explaining to His disciples that the illness would ultimately glorify God and the Son of God. After two days, Jesus announced that they would return to Judea, causing the disciples to express concern for His safety. Jesus reassured them, using a metaphor about walking in daylight. He then informed them that Lazarus had fallen asleep, meaning he had died, and He planned to awaken him. Jesus explained that He was glad He wasn't there earlier so that the disciples might believe. They then set out for Judea. ~