Scripture: John 11:14-15
14So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
Observation: This is from a passage where Jesus was told that Lazarus was very sick. Jesus was asked to go and heal him, but he waited until after Lazarus’ death to go to him. Lazarus’ sisters were distraught, yet they still remained faithful that something could be done. Here Jesus is talking to his disciples about what is happening and what is to come.
Here Jesus wanted it to be very clear that something big was about to happen. He wanted to be sure that there would be no mistake that a miracle was about to occur which could only happen through the power of God.
Application: It amazes me how Jesus could have performed so many miracles and yet people question his identity.
I am also puzzled as to how the events of the Old Testament could be questioned by so many who call themselves Christians. Jesus studied and told of the events from the Old Testament. If you believe Jesus is who he said he was, then you also have to accept the events in the Old Testament. He didn’t discount any of its happenings.
But back to Jesus’ miracles…. He performed so many. And these were all things which were for the good of those around him. He didn’t directly benefit from any of them. In fact, many of them put him in danger. Just after restoring Lazarus to life (after 4 days, mind you!!) John explains in verses 54 that
“…Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews, instead he withdrew to a region near the dessert…”
His miracles put him in danger, yet he wanted us to have no question of his identity, and he had compassion on those who were suffering, so he performed them.
And what about that ultimate miracle of resurrection? He said he would come back from the dead. And he did. And no one has ever been able to refute that with solid fact. If this was not true, then where is the body? And how would so many have accounts of seeing him walk the earth after his crucifixion?
Prayer: Wow! You are an amazing God and the one true God! Thank you for performing so many miracles to refute my doubts as to who you really are. And thank you for allowing me to understand what I do about you. I am excited to see what more you will reveal to me in your time! Please, Lord, continue to educate me so I can share better with more who you truly are. And thank you for holding on to me through so many times of questions and confusion.
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