September 4 | John 11:4, 40, 43-44

“But when he heard, Jesus said, “This sickness is not to death but is for God’s glory for the purpose that the Son of God may be glorified because of this.” (John 11:4, ESV)

“Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see God’s glory?”” (John 11:40)

“When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”” (John 11:43–44, ESV)

Jesus provides an extraordinary miracle for one of His friends. Jesus was known as a Healer. Even Martha and Mary say if He would have came before Lazarus died He could have healed Lazarus.

Jesus weeps, and many scholars have suggested why. Could He have wept because of the unbelief of His closest friends? They believe He heals because they’ve seen Him do it. But they don’t believe He can raise Lazarus from the dead. How far is the line between healing and resurrection?

Believe Jesus for greater things. When He hears Lazarus is sick, Jesus says, “This illness is not unto death.” And at the tomb Jesus weeps because of everyone’s unbelief. Your sickness is not unto death. Because when it’s all over you’ll be with Him for eternity. The resurrection supersedes your sickness.

Action Step: Give Jesus the glory for His goodness to you. Jesus receives glory because He is your Healer and raises you from the dead. You have eternal life because of Jesus.

Jesus, I give every day of my life to You. No matter what I face in this life, You hold my tomorrow. And You hold my hand. When I pass from this life I know I will be with You forever.