Lesson 4533

 (Lesson 4533)(07-01-24) John 11:16-27 

T hen said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” 

 

In today’s quote, Thomas, also called Didymus, encouraged the disciples to go with Jesus to Judea, even if it meant they might die with Him. Upon arriving in Bethany, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Martha went out to meet Jesus and expressed her belief that if He had been there earlier, her brother would not have died. Jesus told her that Lazarus would rise again. Martha acknowledged her belief in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus then declared Himself to be the resurrection and the life, promising that those who believe in Him will live on even if they die. He asked Martha if she believed this, and she affirmed her faith that He is the Christ, the Son of God.  

I believe that the situation with Lazarus, like Judas, was predestined by God so that Jesus could prove Himself to His followers, and the rest of the world, to be God in the flesh. ~