TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40
Read: John 11:1-54
Listen: John 11
TODAY’S MESSAGE
We see snippets throughout the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) of what life will be like in the Kingdom of God. This week we unpack Jesus fixing the world’s brokenness following the death of a man close to him. We also see Jesus ask a woman, “Do you believe this?”—the fundamental question of the Christian faith.
Jesus has a relationship with two sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Jesus is a great distance away when someone sends word that Lazarus is ill. For Jesus to go to the family means risking a run-in with many people who want Jesus dead. Jesus goes, but by the time he arrives—Lazarus has been dead a few days. Jesus mourns with them but also brings healing and restoration.
Pastor Jeff Manion reminded us this weekend that, in some way, Jesus’s life and ministry are a preview of the coming Kingdom where there is no pain, no tears and no death. When God is king—the forces of darkness will roll back, selfishness will turn to generosity, brokenness turns into healing and grief will be replaced with restoration. Jesus’s life gives us a preview of the coming Kingdom, where all is as it should be.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
With a journal, write about what the coming Kingdom will be like. Whether you write or draw, put down what it will be like living in the coming Kingdom where all is as it should be. Then write about the things you are most looking forward to. Thank God for these things today.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
PHILIPPIANS 4:5b–7
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
