Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in the eleventh chapter. “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 from where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us to 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; neverthless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:1-16). “Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now B Ethan’s 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 etehat thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, WHwere have y laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And Some of them said, Could not this man which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the gravel It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stick the: for he hath been dead for days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go” (John 11:17-44). “Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? For this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. And one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being the high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment , that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him” (John 11:45-57). When you come to the eleventh chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find the only account of the death, burial and resurrection of Lazarus recorded in any of the four gospels. It’s actually quite interesting when reading the narrative and account of the resurrection of Lazarus from the grave for the apostle John is the only gospel author who chose to include this account. What’s important to recognize and understand concerning this particular truth is that the apostle John deliberately and intentionally added this account of the death, burial and resurrection of Lazarus according to and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We must needs recognize and understand that when we read the words presented in this passage of Scripture we dare not read it apart from recognizing that it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the apostle John to record this particular account. If there is one thing that warrants strong consideration is that none of the gospel authors conferred with each other when setting forth to present their account of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is absolutely no indication that the gospel authors conferred with each other and compared notes and accounts concerning the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. With this being said it’s important to recognize the gospel narrative written by the apostle John is entirely and altogether different from the other three gospels which have been known and referred to as “The Synoptic Gospels.” We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is when you take the time to consider it for the gospel narrative written by the apostle John is truly captivating and astonishing when you consider that it is the only gospel that begins with the divine and eternal nature of the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. It is the gospel narrative written by the apostle John that chooses to begin with the declaration that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The more you read the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John the more you will find at the very heart and center of it is the tremendous truth surrounding the need for men to believe in the name of the Lord Jesus and to receive Him. You cannot read the words which are found in this gospel narrative and not be confronted with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the invitation that was given unto men to not only receive the Lord Jesus Christ but also to believe in His name. The New Testament gospel narrative as a whole has woven through the very fabric of it Jesus’ presentation of Himself as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God and the choice those in Jerusalem, Judaea and Galilee needed to make within themselves to believe in His name and receive Him as such or to despise and reject Him. In all reality there is an incredible presentation of this particular truth written and recorded in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh chapters of this New Testament gospel. It is in the fourth chapter of this gospel where we encounter and come face to face with Jesus journeying unto Galilee while traveling through Samaria to get there. It would be there in Samaria Jesus would encounter a lowly Samaritan woman as she came to Jacob’s well to draw forth water. It would be there at the well Jesus would speak unto her about living water, about worship and ultimately make the declaration that He which spoke unto her was the Christ. It would be there in Samaria rather than Galilee and Judaea where the Lord Jesus would indeed make the emphatic declaration that He was the Christ and the Messiah which was to come. What’s more is that within the fourth chapter we find that after Jesus made the declaration unto this woman that He was indeed the Christ and the Messiah she would depart unto the city and would speak unto the men of the city to come and see a man who told her everything she did. The men of the city would come forth from the city and would believe on Jesus because of the witness and testimony of the women while also inviting Him to abide with them—a request which He would honor and abide with them for two days. It would be as a direct result of this that the men of the city would believe—not merely because of the word of the woman but also because of the word and witness of Jesus as they would declare that He was indeed the Christ and the Messiah which was to come into the world. The reason I mention and bring up the words and language that is found in the fourth chapter is because there is a stark contrast between what we find in the fourth chapter of this gospel and what we find in chapters five through seven. It is when you come to the fifth chapter you will find the Jews seeking to eradicate, destroy and remove the person of the Lord Jesus Christ from their culture and society. Jesus would heal a man who had an infirmity for thirty and eight years on the sabbath day and would command him to take up his mat and walk. This man would do as Jesus said and would rise up from his place of affliction, take up his mat and walk through the streets of Jerusalem. It would be this man carrying his mat on the sabbath that would provoke the offense of the Jews as they would rebuke him for carrying his mat on that particular day. This man would respond unto them by speaking of the man who commanded him to rise up and walk had made him whole on that particular day. It would be as a direct result of this we find the Jews persecuting and seeking to slay the person of the Lord Jesus because He had healed a man on the sabbath. What’s more is that the Jews would take this even further and would be all the more adamant and vehement in their desire to destroy and put Jesus to death because He had referred to God as His Father thus making Himself equal with God. It would be in the fifth chapter we find the Jews seeking to destroy, eradicate and remove Jesus from their culture while it would be in the sixth chapter we find a picture of the disciples which walked with Jesus—a picture of what can and will happen in this generation and in these last days. It would be in the sixth chapter we find many in Galilee believing in Jesus because they saw the miracles which he wrought in the midst of Jerusalem at the feast. In addition to this the people of Galilee would experience the miracles Jesus did among them as He would heal all who were diseased among them. As if healing all who were diseased among them wasn’t enough Jesus would proceed with feeding them with five loaves of bread and two fish—and not only feed them but feed them to the full that they were satisfied. On top of this Jesus would not only feed them until they were full but would also fill twelve baskets full of the fragments which were leftover AFTER every man had eaten and were filled and satisfied. It is absolutely necessary we recognize the words which are found in the sixth chapter of this gospel narrative for within it we find a second picture of what I am absolutely convinced has begun taking place within our generation and what can and will take place. If the fifth chapter of this gospel presents us with a powerful picture of a culture and society that seeks to eradicate, destroy and remove Jesus from the midst of it then the sixth chapter presents us with a powerful picture of disciples who turn back and choose to walk no more with Jesus. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for if you continue reading the words which were found in the sixth chapter you will find that although those in Galilee beheld the miracles Jesus did at the feast in Jerusalem, although Jesus healed the diseased which were among them and although they ate and were filled and satisfied as Jesus fed them with bread there would be many who would turn back and walk no more with Him. The sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative is a powerful picture of what I am convinced can and will take place within this generation as there will be many disciples of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ who can and will turn back and walk no more with Him. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in the sixth chapter of this gospel for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely captivating and challenging truth of those who witnessed the miracles of Jesus in Jerusalem, those who witnessed the healing of the diseased among them and those who ate and were filled from the bread which Jesus gave unto them and yet were offended with and because of His words. It’s necessary to recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture that the Jews were offended within themselves and murmured among themselves at and because of the words and sayings of the Lord Jesus for they found His words to be incredibly hard to bear. What’s more is that the apostle John writes how many of His disciples turned back and walked no more with Jesus because His words proved to be too much for them to handle. If you continue reading the gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find that while the fifth chapter presents us with a picture of a culture and society that seeks to eradicate, destroy and remove Jesus from the midst of it and while the sixth chapter presents us with a picture of disciples of Jesus—those who walked with Him—turning back and walking no more with Him the seventh chapter presents another picture which perfectly and adequately describes our own culture and society. It is in the seventh chapter where we not only read of those who would seek to lay hands on and take hold of Jesus but how they could not because His hour had not come and His time was not yet. With this being said it’s important to note that within the seventh chapter we find a picture of those in this culture and society being divided concerning the person of the Lord Jesus. The apostle John writes how there were those who believed Jesus was the Prophet while there were others who believed that He was the very Christ. Moreover the apostle John also goes on to write how this division would be even more potent as there would be others who would speak of Jesus as One who had a devil. It is within this very chapter the apostle John writes how there was a division in the midst of the people concerning Jesus as there were those who believed that Jesus was the Prophet while there were others who believed that Jesus was the Christ. Still there were others who believed that Jesus had a devil and therefore sought to destroy and remove Him from their midst. Oh if there is one thing the seventh chapter of this gospel reveals it’s the tremendous division that exists within our own culture—and not only within our own culture but also within our churches concerning the person of the Lord Jesus. We would be incredibly naïve to think that this division only exists within the culture and society of our day and not also in the midst of many of our churches. I am absolutely convinced we must needs understand and acknowledge the fact that in addition to a culture and society seeking to eradicate, destroy and remove Jesus from the midst of it, in addition to many disciples turning back and walking no more with Jesus there is also this deep division which took place in and is present within a generation concerning the person and identity of the Lord Jesus Christ. I sit here today thinking about and considering this and how absolutely astonishing it is in light of the eleventh chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. It is in the eleventh chapter of this gospel we encounter the account of Lazarus and his two sisters who lived in the town of Bethany which wasn’t far from the city of Jerusalem. If you begin reading with and from the opening verse of the eleventh chapter you will find the apostle John writing how a certain man was sick, named Lazarus of Bethany, which was the town of mary and her sister Martha. It’s absolutely incredible when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture and how the apostle John deliberately and intentionally chooses to begin this chapter by not only providing us with this man’s name but also this man’s location and that He was sick. In the first and opening verse of this chapter we find the apostle John writing how there was a man named Lazarus who was sick who lived in the town of Bethany which was the city of Mary and Martha. What’s more is that when you continue reading the words written and recorded in this passage of Scripture you will find the apostle John going on to write concerning Mary that it was this mary which anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair whose brother Lazarus was sick. Oh there is something truly astonishing about how the apostle John begins and opens this passage of Scripture for not only does he present us with the sickness of Lazarus but he also chooses to present us with the names of Lazarus’ two sisters. What’s more is that the apostle John Al’s o writes and records how it was this Mary which anointed Jesus with ointment and did wipe His hair with her hair. It would be this woman who gave of herself and poured out her extravagant worship upon the person and body of the Lord Jesus whose brother was sick. That which makes this all the more intriguing when you think about it is when you consider the fact that although the apostle John writes in the second verse how it was this Mary who anointed the feet of Jesus with ointment and did wipe them with the hairs of her head we would not actually read of that account until the very next chapter AFTER Lazarus had been raised from the dead. As you continue reading the words which are found within this passage of Scripture you will find that in the third verse of this chapter the apostle John writes how the sisters of Lazarus sent unto Jesus, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” Please don’t miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we not only find Lazarus being sick but we find his two sisters—Mary and Martha—sending word unto Jesus that he whom He loved was sick. It’s important for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this verse for these two sisters knew and understood that their brother was sick and even perceived that this sickness would lead unto death. Undoubtedly these two sisters would send for Jesus—not only to heal their brother but also because they perceived within themselves and were told that this sickness would ultimately and inevitably lead unto death. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the truth surrounding their sending word unto Jesus concerning their brother being sick. Mary and Martha would not only send word unto Jesus that their brother was sick but they also sought to appeal to the love which Jesus had for their brother. You will notice when reading the words presented in this passage of Scripture that when Mary and Martha perhaps realized just how sick their brother Lazarus truly was they would send word unto Jesus. Important to recognize and realize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture is how they would send word unto Jesus believing Jesus to be able to heal their brother Lazarus. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for when Mary and Martha sent word unto Jesus the only context and framework they had was healing of their brother of the sickness which was wreaking havoc within his physical body. I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the truly awesome and wonderful truth surrounding the word which Mary and Martha sent unto the person of the Lord Jesus. It would be Mary and Martha who would send word unto the person of the Lord Jesus that he whom He loved was sick. Oh there is not a doubt in my mind that when Mary and Martha sent word unto the person of the Lord Jesus concerning their brother they did so thinking, believing and hoping that Jesus would come and heal him of the sickness which was present within his physical body. The context and framework these two sisters had on behalf of their brother was that Jesus would heal him and raise him up from his bed of affliction. With this being said, however, there is a part of this account which the apostle John does not present unto us—namely the thoughts, the emotions and feelings of Lazarus. We know that Mary and Martha sent word unto Jesus that he whom He loved was sick which would undoubtedly suggest they desired Jesus to come and heal Him. What we aren’t privy to and what the apostle John doesn’t give to us are those thoughts which went through Lazarus’ heart and mind. Is it possible that Lazarus thought and believed that Jesus would and could come and heal him of the sickness which was present within his physical body? Is it possible that Lazarus thought and believed that Jesus was capable of completely and utterly healing him of this sickness and even keeping him from death? Did Lazarus realize and understand just how sick he was and how dire and bleak it was and desperately and earnestly desired Jesus to come unto him and heal him of that sickness which plagued and ravaged his physical body? Scripture is entirely unclear as to the thoughts and emotions which went through the heart and mind of Lazarus, however, I would dare say that Lazarus desperately and earnestly desired Jesus to come unto him and heal him of the sickness that ravaged his body for he knew that this sickness could very well claim and take his life. I have to admit the more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the truly captivating and powerful truth concerning what was omitted and what we aren’t given any details of. We know that Mary and Martha sent word unto Jesus concerning that one whom He loved being sick and can deduce from this their desire for Jesus to come unto them and heal their brother. Undoubtedly Mary and Martha would send word unto the person of Jesus concerning their brother for they knew and recognized that this sickness which was present within his physical body was indeed unto death. I firmly believe that Mary and Martha believed that Jesus was able to show up and heal their brother of this sickness which was present within his physical body and could even keep him from death. Oh at the very heart and core of this passage of Scripture is not only the desire for Jesus to keep this man from death but also the belief that Jesus could keep this man from death. Moreover there is within this passage the thoughts of the Jews for after Lazarus had died they would speak unto and among themselves concerning this Jesus who opened the eyes of the blind and yet could not and did not keep this man alive and prevent Him from dying. The Jews would themselves ask if this man who opened the eyes of the blind could not have also kept this man from dying. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to that which many among us believe in our generation. There are many among us who have experienced family members who have become sick—and have not only become sick but also how that sickness was incredibly dire, grim and bleak that threatened death upon their loved one. There are and there have been countless men and women among us who have experienced a loved one and/or family member who has become gravely ill and have earnestly desired and even believed that Jesus could keep and prevent them from experiencing death. Even as I am writing these words I find myself coming the closest I’ve ever come to death in my own personal life this past year. It was in September and October of last year when my own father became sick with COVID-19 and was eventually and ultimately admitted into the hospital. I can still remember the various conversations which my mom and I had concerning my dad and how he was experiencing trouble breathing and eventually needed to be put on an oxygen mask. I remember countless pictures and videos of my father in a hospital room behind glass windows as nurses and doctors would go in and monitor his conditions and check on him. Eventually, however, there would come a point when my father was no longer responsive to any touch, any pressure or any touch. Eventually there would come a point when my father could not breathe on his own and desperately needed to be on oxygen. I am writing these words remembering very clearly walking through those days and times and how there was this sense that my father might very well die from this sickness. I remember thinking and believing that my father would indeed die from this sickness and illness. With this being said there was a part of me that wanted Jesus to come and heal him of this sickness and allow him to walk out of the hospital room and out of the hospital altogether and be present among us. There was a part of me that wanted Jesus to heal him and even believed that Jesus could keep and prevent him from dying. I remember thinking and believing that Jesus could indeed heal my dad and prevent him from dying and give him life once more. That which is present in this passage of Scripture is entirely and altogether similar to the thoughts which went through my own heart and mind as well as the thoughts which went through the heart and mind of my mother and brother during this time. Looking back over the events of my father’s passing I can’t help but know that Jesus could have healed him and prevented him from dying. In the eleventh chapter of this New Testament gospel we find Mary and Martha sending word unto Jesus concerning their brother Lazarus—and not only concerning their brother Lazarus but also concerning the one whom Jesus loved. Mary and Martha would send word unto Jesus concerning their brother Lazarus and that he was very sick—undoubtedly knowing and understanding how great and how bleak this situation truly was. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for there was a part of Mary and Martha who believed that Jesus could heal their brother and even keep and prevent him from dying. Scripture is entirely and altogether unclear whether or not Mary and Martha knew and understood their brother Lazarus would indeed die from this sickness and illness, however, I am inclined to believe that the reason and purpose they sent word unto the person of the Lord Jesus was indeed because of the fact that they believed that Jesus would indeed be able to heal their brother of this sickness. There is within this passage of Scripture a strong and powerful belief that Jesus was capable of not only healing Lazarus but also keeping him from dying. Oh it’s important to recognize and understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture that there wasn’t merely the belief that Jesus was capable of healing this man of the sickness which was present within his body but also heal him of that sickness. It is impossible to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and not encounter and come face to face with the truth that these two sisters thought and believed that Jesus could indeed heal their brother Lazarus of the sickness which wreaked havoc within his physical body. These two sisters would indeed send word unto the Lord Jesus concerning their brother and the one whom He loved being sick for they were hoping that Jesus would come unto them and heal their brother and raise him up of his bed of affliction. The more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I find at the very heart of this entire passage the belief that Jesus could indeed and is capable of keeping and preventing men and women from dying. Within this passage we find Lazarus who was from the town of Bethany and whose sisters were Mary and Martha being sick—and not only sick but gravely sick. Scripture doesn’t initially reveal how sick Lazarus truly was for even in the first and opening verse the apostle John merely refers to Lazarus as being sick. IN the third verse of this chapter the apostle John goes on to write how Mary and Martha would send word unto Jesus concerning the one whom he loved being sick. This is important to note for you would expect Mary and Martha to send word unto Jesus concerning their brother and making the declaration that their brother was gravely sick. The apostle John does not initially reveal just how severe and serious this sickness truly was and he even presents Jesus as declaring unto His disciples how this sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. OH if there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it’s how the apostle John would present a strong and intrinsic connection between the words which are found in this chapter and those which are found in the ninth chapter. It would be in the ninth chapter of this same gospel we find Jesus and His disciples passing by a man who was blind from birth. It would be while passing by this man Jesus’ disciples would ask Jesus who had sinned—this man or his parents—that he was born blind. Jesus would hear these words and would respond unto them declaring that it was neither this man’s sins nor the sins of parents that would cause him to be born blind but that the the works of the living God might be manifested within Him. I read the words located in the eleventh chapter and the language that is used here is incredibly similar to the language which is found in the ninth chapter. It would be in the ninth chapter of this gospel we find Jesus speaking of the man who had been born blind and how he had not been born blind because of sin but that the works of God might be manifested in and through him. This man would be born into blindness and would walk in that blindness his entire life UNTIL he would encounter and experience the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is something we must needs recognize and pay close attention to for although this man had been born into blindness and had walked in that blindness he had an appointment with the works of the living God. What’s more is not only did this man have an appointment with the works of the living God but he also had an appointment and encounter with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for even though he was born blind that blindness would indeed have an expiration date. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found in the account of the man who was born blind it’s that although he was indeed born into blindness and although he would walk in that blindness his entire life he had an appointment with the works of the living God. Oh I would dare say that even before this man was brought forth from the womb of his mother it was pre-ordained and pre-determined that he would experience the works of the living God. I firmly believe that this man was born into blindness and would walk in that blindness until the appointed time when He would come in contact with the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although this man would indeed walk in blindness his entire life and would only be able to hear the world around him and not actually see it he had an appointment with the works of the living God. When we read the words which are found in the eleventh chapter of this New Testament gospel we find language that is incredibly similar to that which we see in the ninth chapter. It is in the ninth chapter we find Jesus declaring unto the disciples that this man was not born blind because of sin but that the works of God might be manifested within him. In the eleventh chapter of this same gospel we find Jesus declaring unto His disciples that this sickness within Lazarus was not unto death but for the glory of God that the Son of God might be glorified. Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for Jesus would hear and receive report that Lazarus whom He loved was sick and yet the first words He would speak was a declaration concerning this sickness—and not not concerning this sickness but also that this sickness was not unto death. Jesus would declare unto His disciples that this sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God that the Son of God might be glorified. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding Jesus’ understanding of the sickness which was present within the physical body of Lazarus. Jesus emphatically declared that this sickness was not unto death but that the glory of God might be manifested and that the Son might be glorified thereby and therein. When speaking of this sickness Jesus would declare that it was not unto death—this despite the fact that Lazarus would ultimately die in the flesh and as a result of the sickness. Although Jesus would make the declaration that this sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God Lazarus would indeed die from and of that sickness. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for there is something absolutely powerful about the words which the Lord Jesus spoke and declared unto His disciples. Jesus would hear His that the one whom he loved was sick and yet He would respond unto His disciples declaring that this sickness would not be unto death but for the glory of God that the Son might be glorified therein and thereby. It is absolutely necessary and imperative we recognize and understand the words which were spoken in this passage of Scripture for within and through them we find the ultimate and underlying purpose behind the sickness which was present within Lazarus’ physical body. Through the words which the Lord Jesus spoke unto His disciples we get the strong sense that the sickness which was present within the physical body of Lazarus was indeed for the glory of the living God—and not only for the glory of the living God but also that the Son might be glorified therein and thereby. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this particular truth for Jesus’ words suggests that there was something greater at work within the life of Lazarus than simply this sickness. Although on the surface all Mary and Martha saw was the sickness which was wreaking havoc and ravaging the physical body of their brother Lazarus and although all Lazarus saw and perhaps even felt within his physical body was this sickness there would be something greater at work behind the scenes. Oh it was indeed true that Jesus would declare that this sickness was not unto death but that the glory of God might be manifested and it was indeed true that Lazarus would ultimately die, however we must needs recognize and understand that there was and is not any contradiction found in the words which the Lord Jesus would speak unto His disciples—despite the fact that he would declare that this sickness would not be unto death and Lazarus would indeed die. If there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that even though this sickness would indeed lead to and result in Lazarus dying and even being buried in the grave for four days there would be something truly captivating and powerful which took place. What’s more is that what would indeed take place and those means whereby the glory of God would be manifested would not be at the bedside while Lazarus was still alive but at the graveside after Lazarus had died and was buried in the grave. The glory of God would not be manifested at the bedside in life while Lazarus was still alive wrestling with this sickness but would be manifested at the graveside after Lazarus had died and had been buried for four days. Oh what do you do when love seems to tarry and does not show up when you think it should? What do you do when love seems to tarry and wait and does not show up how you would like and expect it to? How do you respond when love seems to tarry and abide in the place where it was and does not come when it is called and when it is needed? Mary and Martha thought that love would come when it was called and when it was needed and yet it would not show up when they thought it would. Mary and Martha had hoped and even believed that love would show up in that dark moment of need when and while their brother Lazarus was still sick and lying upon his bed and yet love would not show up at all. What’s more is that it would be while love tarried and while love remained absent and nowhere to be found their brother would die. Oh what do you do when love seems to be largely absent—even though you called and appealed to it? What do you do when the love you so desperately and earnestly desired appears to be so far away and does not show up according to your will and your time frame? Mary and Martha appealed to the love which Jesus had for their brother Lazarus thinking that it would be love that would bring Him unto their brother. The truth of the matter is that there appears to be this juxtaposition between the love of Jesus and the glory of God within the life of Lazarus. While it might have been true the love which Jesus had for and toward Lazarus might have caused Him to come when and while he was sick it would be the glory of God that would keep him abiding where he was. I am sure the love of Jesus which He experienced within His heart and soul would have compelled him to come unto Lazarus while he was alive and heal him and yet the glory of God was not intended to be manifested in life through healing but in death through resurrection. Oh we must needs recognize and understand this for more often than not we expect and want love to show up and be manifested in life through healing and yet we fail to recognize and understand that the glory of the living God desires to be manifested in death through resurrection. Mary and Martha thought that love would show up and heal their brother while he was still alive and it didn’t even occur to them that their brother might actually have to die that the glory of God might be manifested within and through their brother. IT IS WHEN LOVE TARRIES DEATH OCCURS, HOWEVER, IT IS IN DEATH THE GLORY OF GOD IS MANIFESTED! IT IS WHEN LOVE TARRIES THAT DEATH OCCURS, HOWEVER, IT IS IN DEATH WHERE THE GLORY OF GOD IS BROUGHT FORTH THROUGH RESURRECTION! Mary and Martha appealed to the love which Jesus had for and toward their brother thinking and believing that Jesus would indeed heal him and raise him up from this bed of affliction. The truth of the matter is that not only did love tarry where it was and not show up but it would be during love’s tarrying death would occur. What’s more is that when you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you can and will be brought face to face with the fact that although Jesus would speak of the glory of God being manifested within and through Lazarus that glory would not be manifested through healing in life. Oh not only would love not show up when it was called and bring healing in life but the glory of God would not be manifested nor would it be brought forth until death occurs. This is something we must needs understand for there are and there might very well be times when the glory of the living God cannot and will not show up when it is called and will tarry and wait where it is. There are times when we think the glory of the living God needs to and should be manifested through healing in life and yet the truth of the matter is that the glory of the living God is going to be manifested within and through death. Mary and Martha appealed to the love which Jesus had for their brother thinking and believing that he would show up and heal him and yet love would tarry and abide. What’s more is Mary and Martha did not know the words which Jesus had spoken unto His disciples concerning this sickness not being unto death but that the glory of God might be manifested within and through their brother. This is something worth considering for when we read the words found in this passage of Scripture we find love tarrying and we find the glory of God being held back and stayed until death. What’s more is that not only would the glory of God be stayed and held back until death would take place but it would be stayed for four more days after death occurred within the physical body of Lazarus. If you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that the glory of God would indeed be manifested within the life of Lazarus, however, that glory would not be manifested through healing in life. Moreover the glory of God would not be manifested right when death would occur within the life of Lazarus after the sickness would unleash its full fury upon his physical body. Oh if there was one thing we must needs recognize is that not only did Lazarus need to die, and not only did Lazarus need to be buried but he needed to be buried in the grave for four days before love would show up and before the glory of God would be manifested in him. Oh we would like to think that love would show up and the glory of God would be manifested in life through healing him of the sickness that ravaged his physical body and yet the truth of the matter is that not only would love not show up until after Lazarus was dead but it wouldn’t show up until after Lazarus was buried in the grave and had been there for four days. Moreover the glory of the living God would not be manifested within the life and person of Lazarus until after he had died, after he had been buried and after he had been in the grave four days. Think about the possibility that there might very well have been a total of six days—almost a full week—before Jesus would show up at the tomb and grave where Lazarus had been buried. The apostle John writes and records how when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick He would tarry and abide there for two full days. What’s more is the apostle John also writes how even when Jesus showed up at the tomb and the grave Lazarus had already been buried for four days. Stop and consider that not only did love tarry two full days but it would not show up until Lazarus had been dead and buried in the grave for four days. Love would choose to tarry where it was for two full days because there was something greater at work than love—namely the glory of the living God. In all reality I would dare say there is a strong and intrinsic link and connection within this passage between the will of God and the glory of God. It is when you read the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find love tarrying and delaying—even though it might have desired to come forth when it was called. LOVE CAN’T ALWAYS COME WHEN IT IS CALLED! WHEN LOVE HAS TO WAIT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD! WHEN LOVE GIVES WAY TO THE GLORY OF GOD! WHEN LOVE WAITS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD! WHEN LOVE COLLIDES WITH THE GLORY OF THE LIVING GOD! Oh we would like to think that love would and could and even should have showed up when it was called and yet the truth of the matter is that although love was called it could not show up when it was called. Love might have wanted to show up at the bedside of Lazarus while he was still alive and offer healing in his physical body preventing and keeping him from death and yet it would be the glory of the living God that would keep love at bay. Oh this is something we must needs recognize and understand for there are times within our lives when even the very love of God is held at bay and is held back—not because that love isn’t real but because the glory of God is at work which is far greater than the love itself. There seems to be every indication that the glory of God which was intrinsically connected to the will of God was at work within the life of Lazarus as set against the love of Jesus which He had for him. Jesus might very well have showed up at Lazarus’ bedside and offered healing to him raising him up from his bed of affliction and yet the truth of the matter is that although love would have shown up when it was called the glory of God would hold and keep that love at bay. The glory of the living God was at work far above and in greater measure than the love of Jesus for Lazarus and would be what would keep Jesus where He was for two full days. I am sure Jesus might have wanted to go unto Lazarus in His flesh and yet there was something even greater at work which took place and was at work during those days—namely the glory of the living God and its strong and intrinsic link and connection with the will of the Father. The more I read the words presented in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the incredible truth that although we might think that love itself was enough to bring Jesus to Lazarus the truth of the matter is that it wasn’t. On this particular occasion it would not be love that was enough to bring Jesus to Lazarus for that love would have to wait for the glory of the living God. It would be in and through the narrative of Lazarus we find and read how the love of Jesus would have to wait for the glory of the living God to be manifested and revealed and that would and could only take place within and through death. Although love would have showed up in life and offered healing unto this man who was sick it would be the glory of God that would show up in death at the graveside. What’s more is that not only would the glory of God show up at the graveside after death had occurred but the glory of God would show up at the graveside after Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days. Love might very well have wanted to show up before death even occurred and yet it would be the glory of God that would be what held love back and would keep it back from coming when it was called. Oh there is a great need for us to recognize and understand this for there are times within our lives when we call on love and expect love to respond and answer us and yet the glory of God keeps the love at bay and keeps the love back from being manifested within our hearts and lives. There is a great need to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and consider the fact that there are times within our lives when love is called and when we think and expect love to show up when it is called and yet love is nowhere to be found and appears to be absent. Oh I am sure Mary and Martha might very well have been tempted to doubt the love which Jesus had for their brother when He tarried where He was and did not show up. Oh imagine what would and could have gone through the hearts and minds of Mary, Martha and even their brother Lazarus as they thought the love which Jesus had for Lazarus would have been enough to bring Him unto their side. I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am captivated with the truth of love tarrying and love delaying—and not only of love tarrying and delaying but also how it is incredibly possible for us to doubt that love while it tarries and while it waits. The words which are found in this passage of Scripture reveal how Mary and Martha appealed to the love which Jesus had toward Lazarus and how they thought and believed that this love was enough to bring Jesus unto their brother who was sick unto the point of death. Imagine their shock and surprise when the love they Calle and the love which they believed Jesus had would not show up when it was called and would tarry and delay. There is not a doubt in my mind when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture that it might very well have been easy to doubt and even question the love of Jesus which He had for and towards us. In reading the words found in this passage of Scripture I find myself encountering and coming face to face with the incredible truth that when love tarries, when love delays and when love seems to be largely absent and non-existent the temptation is very real to doubt and even question that love. The words which are found in this chapter are incredibly challenging when you take the time to think about it for they bring us face to face with the collision of the love of God and the glory of God and how there are times when the love of God is held back and kept at bay by the glory of God. It would have been the love of Jesus which would have caused Him to come unto Lazarus while he was still alive and while he was sick and yet the truth of the matter is that it was the glory of God that held Jesus back from going to His friend. The Lord Jesus did in fact love Lazarus and his two sisters Mary and Martha and yet that love would not be enough for Him to make the journey from where He was in Galilee to come unto Judaea and unto His friend. It would have been the love of Jesus that caused Him to come unto His friend and heal him right where he was and yet the glory of God would keep him from coming when He was called. WHEN THE GLORY OF GOD KEEPS THE LOVE OF GOD FROM COMING WHEN IT WAS CALLED! We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth that there might be times when we call upon the love of God and even appeal to the love of God to intervene in our situations and circumstances and yet what ends up happening is something greater at work than what we could even think or expect. Within the life—and death—of Lazarus we see the love of Christ in direct juxtaposition and relationship with the glory of the living God. It would be Mary and Martha who would call and send for Jesus concerning the one whom He loved being sick and yet Jesus would declare unto the disciples that this sickness would not be unto death but that the glory of God might be manifested. What’s more is that Jesus would declare that this sickness would not be unto death but that the Son of God might be glorified. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words presented in this passage and consider how the Son of God would be glorified in death rather than in life for He would be glorified in resurrection rather than healing. This is actually something that warrants strong consideration for more often than not we want the God of healing and seemingly have no place for the God of resurrection. More often than not we want and even expect God to show up in sickness and bring healing and have absolutely no context or framework for His showing up in death and bringing resurrection. If there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that the glory of God was destined to be manifested within and through death that it might bring forth resurrection rather than in healing. What’s more is that when Lazarus died the sickness which was present within his body was destroyed as well. There is not a doubt in my mind that when Lazarus died the sickness that was present within his physical body died and when Lazarus was raised from the grave he was raised completely and totally delivered and set free from that sickness. Oh the more I read the words found in this passage of Scripture the more I can’t help but see it’s strong link and connection to that which is found in the ninth chapter of this gospel. It is in the ninth chapter where we read of a man who was born into blindness and who would walk in that blindness his entire life until he met Jesus. I have previously written how this is an incredibly powerful picture of many of us who were not only born in sin but walked in sin until we experienced and encountered the person and presence of the Lord Jesus. Through the narrative found within the ninth chapter we see a picture of how we were indeed born into sin and how we walked in sin until that time and moment when we encountered and experienced the person and presence of the Lord Jesus. What’s more is that although we were born into sin and would walk in sin for most of our lives there would be an appointment with the person and presence of the Lord Jesus. Not only this but there would be an appointment with the works of God which were destined and ordained to be manifested within our hearts and lives. Through this particular passage we encounter and come face to face with the incredible truth of this man who was born into blindness and who walked in that blindness until he encountered and experienced Jesus. What’s more is that the words which Jesus spoke seemed to indicate that this man’s being born blind and walking in that blindness was all destined to bring him to the place where he would experience the manifestation of the works of God within his life. In addition to this the blindness which this man was born into and his walking in blindness would be for the purpose of the manifestation of the works of God within his life and within his physical being. This man who was born into blindness and would walk in blindness would indeed have an appointment and destiny with the person and presence of the Lord Jesus who would give him his sight for the very first time. This man would indeed experience the person and presence of the Lord Jesus who would not only anoint his eyes but would command him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. It would be as a direct result of his going and washing in the pool of Siloam he would come forth seeing for the first time in his entire life. With this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which we see in this passage of Scripture for within it we see Lazarus who was sick and how that sickness would ultimately cause him to die. What’s more is that not only would this sickness cause him to die but he would be buried in the grave and would be buried in the grave for four days before Jesus would show up to where he was. Of course we know and understand when reading this passage that Jesus would indeed command the stone to be rolled away from the entrance of the tomb and would even command he who was previously dead to come forth from the grave, however, there is something else we must needs recognize when reading the words found here in this passage. I am absolutely convinced that the glory of God was manifested—not only in the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead but also in the healing of his physical body from the sickness which was present within it. Jesus could have showed up while Lazarus was still alive and healed him of that sickness, however, I am convinced the only way for this sickness to be truly healed within his physical body was through death. I am absolutely convinced there are certain things within our lives that can only be healed and made whole through death. We would like to think that Jesus can show up and bring healing within our physical bodies and even within our hearts and souls and yet the truth of the matter is that there are times when the only way for us to be truly healed is for death to occur. Jesus could have showed up and healed Lazarus and yet it was more important for Him to tarry and abide where he was that death might actually produce within Lazarus something greater than Mary, Martha and even Lazarus could even think or imagine. It was indeed true that Lazarus was sick and that sickness would work and produce within him death, however, I firmly believe that it would be through death that Lazarus would truly and ultimately be healed of the sickness which was present within his physical body. I read the words which are presented in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but think about the fact that the glory of God would keep the love of Jesus from coming when it was called because the glory of God would be manifested in the work of death and the power of resurrection. I can’t help but think about the fact that it would be through death the sickness which was present within the physical body of Lazarus would be cursed and destroyed and when he was raised from death to life he would be raised completely and utterly healed from the sickness that was present within his physical body. What’s more is that this is indeed a powerful picture of sin within our own hearts and lives for we would like to think that sin can be cured and healed within our lives without recognizing and understanding that the only way to deal with sin is through death. There is indeed a sickness within our hearts, within our minds and within our souls and this sickness does in fact lead to and produce death within us. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for I am absolutely convinced the single greatest way to deal with the sickness of sin within our lives which produces a different type of death is through death itself. Lazarus was indeed sick and yet the glory of God would be manifested in that sickness being destroyed through death and Lazarus being healed through resurrection. DESTROYED THROUGH DEATH, DELIVERED IN RESURRECTION! DESTROYED THROUGH DEATH, HEALED THROUGH RESURRECTION! There is something incredibly unique and powerful about the words presented in this passage of Scripture for what we find is the sickness which was present within the physical body of Lazarus being destroyed through death which was indeed the only way to truly deal with it. Jesus was indeed correct when He said this sickness would not lead to death for although Lazarus would indeed die and would be buried in the grave he would be raised from death to life—and not only from death to life but death to newness of life. I can’t help but read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and encounter the tremendous reality that the sickness which was present within the physical body of Lazarus would and could only be dealt with by and through death. I would dare say that healing itself would not be the main means of truly dealing with the sickness within this man’s physical body for the only way to truly deal with that sickness was through death. It is truly remarkable to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and to consider that when Lazarus died the sickness that was present within his physical body was indeed destroyed for it would only be through death it could ultimately be dealt with. What’s more is that it would be through resurrection Lazarus would not only be healed and completely delivered from that sickness but would be raised to newness of life. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how truly incredible it is for what we see through Lazarus is indeed a powerful picture of us and our own lives. Each and every one of us was born into sin and have suffered from and with the sickness of sin within our physical bodies. The only way for this sin to be dealt with is not through healing but through death for it is only death that can destroy it and its power within and over our lives. I firmly believe that the only way for Jesus through the works and glory of God to deal with this sickness that was present within the physical body of Lazarus was to allow Lazarus to die. It would be through death that the sickness which was present within his physical body to be destroyed and completely eradicated. This is something we must needs acknowledge within our own hearts and lives for there is a sickness called sin which lurks within our hearts, within our minds and within our souls. More important this sickness called and this sickness of sin can not be dealt with through healing alone but can only be dealt with by and through death. This is precisely the reality which the apostle Paul wrote of and mentioned in the sixth chapter of the epistle written unto the Romans as well as in the second chapter of the epistle written unto the Galatian churches. The apostle Paul recognized this sickness of and this sickness called sin and that the only way to truly and ultimately deal with it is through death. As you read the words which are found in the eleventh chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find that Lazarus needed to die—and not only did he need to die but he needed to be buried in the grave. There is not a doubt in my mind that Lazarus was incredibly sick and that sickness was wreaking havoc within and ravaging his physical body. Jesus could have healed him by laying His hands on Him or speaking the word and yet I firmly believe the only way to truly heal him was through death itself. I believe that in order for Lazarus to be healed of this sickness he would need to experience death for it would be through death this sickness would ultimately be destroyed. What’s more is I firmly believe that when Lazarus was raised from death to life on the fourth day he would be raised from death to life completely healed and delivered from the sickness which was present within his body on the other side of the grave. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GRAVE! What we find within this passage of Scripture is incredibly unique and important when you take the time to consider it for Lazarus was indeed sick and that sickness would be used by and for the glory of God that he might not only be healed and delivered of that sickness but might also be raised from death to life. Imagine Lazarus being raised from death to life and remembering everything that happened prior to experiencing death and being buried in the earth for four days. Imagine Lazarus remembering the sickness that was present within his physical body and perhaps the pain and suffering associated with it and now knowing that he was completely and utterly free from that sickness. It wasn’t merely enough nor was it about Lazarus being raised from death to life but he was raised to life completely delivered and set free from the sickness which was in his physical body on the other side of the grave. Lazarus was indeed raised to newness of life and that life was completely and utterly free from the sickness which was present within his physical body. Pause and consider the fact that when Lazarus was raised from death to life he was in fact raised without sickness in his physical body and was raised to newness of life completely healed and delivered. It is absolutely necessary we pay close attention to these words and how absolutely incredible they are for they call and draw our attention to the only means of dealing with the sickness of sin within our hearts and lives—through death, burial and resurrection. I leave you with the following words which were written by the apostle Paul in the sixth chapter of the epistle which was written unto the saints which were at Rome: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:1-14). “What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye because the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:15-23).