Daily Devotionals

March 21st - 27th
We’ll continue our meditations on Jesus’ raising of Lazarus…this time looking at His mandate as God in the face of that “last enemy” (John 11:38-43). Please use the following readings to prepare for out time of study and reflection.

Monday
John 11:4-11
What does this conversation say about Jesus’ ability to know/see events from afar? What comfort does it bring that Jesus “knows” the events of your life?

Tuesday
John 11:12-16
Why does Jesus use the words “asleep”/”sleep” to speak of Lazarus’ death? In what way(s) is “sleep” a good description for the Christian viewing death? Why don’t Jesus’ disciples understand this speech figure? (cf. 1 Thess. 4;13ff)

Wednesday
John 11:25
Jesus makes a startling claim in this verse. What does it mean? How does Martha both understand and misunderstand what Jesus is saying? In what way is this a claim that only Jesus can make?

Thursday
John 11:35
How is Jesus’ weeping a sign of His deity? Where else does the Bible speak of God’s emotions? (laughing, sorrow, sadness, anger, etc.)

Friday
John 11:39
What does Jesus’ command (“Take away the stone.”) tell us about His authority? Why does He ask for this when He will do something far more extraordinary a moment later?

Saturday
John 11:41-44
What is the purpose of Jesus’ prayer (v. 41,42) and His command (v. 43)? What does it reveal about His person and His power?

Sunday
John 11
Re-read this event (v. 1-44) from the point of view of early Christians facing death and persecution in the late 1st century. How would this event provide great encouragement to them? To us?