In the eleventh chapter of the Gospel of John we have a lesson on trust, or faith. In the little village of Bethany lives some special friends of Jesus Lazarus, and his two sisters Mary and Martha. It seems that the little village is located near Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mt. of Olives. Most seem to agree that it was a home that welcomed Jesus during His personal ministry. It was a home of believers and as believers they were thrilled, and blessed, whenever Jesus would visit.

We should notice that even as believers Lazarus, Mary and Martha, were not immune (resistant, safe, protected) from the realities of life. While Jesus is away, in His ministry, He receives word that Lazarus is sick. Lazarus was a true believer, supporter, encourager and one who looked forward to giving Jesus a warm welcome whenever Jesus was in Bethany, yet Lazarus is sick (ill, ailing, unwell). In spite of what some would have us believe even those who are born again believers have to deal with the realities of life. Sickness that may even lead to our death is a reality that no one can avoid.

Jesus is a day’s journey away from Bethany when Mary, and Martha, send Him word that Lazarus is very sick. Our response upon receiving such word is to rush to our friends and see if we can help during this difficult time. Jesus doesn’t panic (fear, alarm, terror) but is calm because He knows that even though Lazarus will die, he will come back from the grave. He tells His disciples that this illness, that has overcome Lazarus, has two important benefits. What is happening in Bethany will ultimately bring glory to God and glorify (adore, praise, deify, extol) the Son.

When Jesus arrives at Bethany Lazarus has been dead four days! Is Jesus to late? Why didn’t He rush back? What good can He do now? If he had just been here Lazarus would not have died! Mary, and Martha, both relate to Jesus their faith in that they firmly believed that had Jesus been there their brother would not have died! Jesus reminds them that He is ‘LIFE’ present tense. Death never defeats a child of God and, even though the world sees death, those in Christ will never die!  

    I just wanted to remind all of us that Jesus is totally aware of what we are dealing with and He is ALL WE NEED PRESENT TENSE! Jesus will never be late He will always be on time and what He does will be for the glory of the Father and the exalting of the Son!………..SEE YOU SOON—-BRO. ED