Jesus is Essential
John 11:1–4: Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love 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 may be glorified through it.”
This was not an invitation or even a request. They did not say, “Lord, please come.” They just assumed that as soon as the Lord learned of the situation, he would hurry there. They knew Jesus. They understood his wonderful compassion. The word they used for “love” is the word for friendship. They were saying, “Your good friend whom you love is sick.”
Of course Jesus would come—to think otherwise was inconceivable. But Jesus’ answer in verse 4 gives us a hint of what was going to happen. When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” In other words, death would not be the ultimate tragedy here. Something very unusual was about to happen, and it would bring Christ glory. 1
Walking with Jesus
Jesus will always faithfully minster to you and to all your needs. It will usually be in a way you never anticipated and often taking longer than you anticipated. However, you will never regret the final outcome and your lips will glorify Him. Perhaps our waiting is for our benefit. Ask Him now for more grace to believe with greater joy.
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You. John 17:1
He works His work His way for His glory, in His timing, and for my blessing.
Praying
Lord, thank You for taking care of me and all my needs, even in my impatience.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1998). Luke: that you may know the truth. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
