Beyond the Weekend

July 28 | The Delay

June 28, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” John 11:5-8

Read: John 11:4-16
Listen: 
John 11

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus decides to stay a few days where he is even after hearing Lazarus is ill. The delay certainly isn’t because Jesus doesn’t care. Jesus indicates this sickness and even Lazarus’s death will glorify God. Ultimately, Jesus decides to travel to Lazarus and the disciples have some reservations. Lazarus and his sisters live in Bethany, less than two miles from Jerusalem. Traveling to Bethany means risking a run-in with the people who wanted to stone and kill him last time he was there (John 11:8). If Jesus serves this family, it could be the death of him.

Jesus goes and raises Lazarus from the dead in public, in front of witnesses and in the Pharisees’ backyard. Jesus risks his life for Lazarus and in doing so, signs his death warrant. Not long after this—Jesus is betrayed, arrested and crucified.

Reading the story of Jesus risking his life for Lazarus paints a picture of the heart of our Savior who gave his life for us. As Jesus loves Lazarus and came to rescue him—Jesus loves us and came to this world to rescue us. He gives his life to die in our place because he loves us. May we be ever grateful for his love and sacrifice for us.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Consider the similarities between what Jesus did for Lazarus and what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross. Pray a gratitude prayer to God and ask him to grow in you a thankful heart for all Jesus did for you on the cross.


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.

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