Read John 11:32. The Lord knows how to use circumstances to help us to grow. We grow like the roots of a tree. It needs the seasons of life so that its rots can grow down deep. You should never fear your circumstances.

1 – The Lord’s call (vs. 11 & 14)

Lazarus was dead and the circumstances were overwhelming Mary. The Lord draws near to us.

• His interest in us (vs. 28) – Mary wanted Jesus to come and He did. He is very interested in your circumstances and He will come when you call Him. See John 14:18.
• His invitation to us (s 28-29) – He calls for you. Jesus showed up and extended an invitation to ring Him your hurts. Whatever it is in your life that is causing you to lose your focus. See Matthew 11:28. Whatever your storm, pain or difficulty you can bring it to Jesus. See 1 Peter 5:7 and Psalm 55:22. God may not take your burden away but then He will do something to you! You need to answer the Lord’s call and not try and put out your own fire. You will end up digging yourself into a deeper hole.

2 – The Lord’s care

It is one thing to know that the Lord is calling you and another thing to know that He cares.

• His care is declared (vs. 3, 5) – You don’t have to hope and wonder. See John 3:16. It has been declared. Do you still not believe it? See Romans 5:8 & 1 John 4:19.
• His care is demonstrated (vs. 35) – It is demonstrated in a unique way. The tears of Jesus express a deepness of sorrow that we cannot comprehend. Mary now knows that Jesus cared. Jesus was groaned in His spirit and began to tremble violently. He was so overtaken with sorrow. Jesus didn’t just shed a tear he wept uncontrollably. It was so evident that everyone noticed it (vs. 26). Jesus loved Lazarus so much. God love is demonstrated for us also. Jesus is touched as we feel. See Hebrews 4:15. Jesus experiences the hurt without sinning. We struggle and may want to get even.

3 – The Lord’s control

We do not have the wisdom and power to carry out the task. We need the power of the Holy Spirit. All the work of the Church is a supernatural task. If it is done in our own strength it will accomplish nothing.

• She learned about His purposes (vs. 4) – Lazarus was sick, yet Jesus stayed two more days. He didn’t rush to be there. Why? When Jesus arrived Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. It was only two miles away from where He was so He could have been there in an hour. Mary tells Jesus that He could have stopped the situation. Why didn’t He? Jesus knew the sickness was not unto death but to the glory of God. It was not Mary’s comfort that was more important but rather God’s glory. See Romans 8:28. All things work to the glory of God. Do you believe it?
• She learned about His power (vs. 38) – Martha remarks that Lazarus now stinks. Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus and Martha is shooting off her mouth at Jesus! Jesus says that if you believe you wail see God’s glory. Don’t do things your own way and questioning the Lord all the time. Lazarus is raised from the dead when Jesus shouts with a loud voice for him to come forth. The power of God cannot be stopped! You don’t need your old grave clothes. He will turn your tears into triumph. You have seen the power of God in these verses. You can see it in your life. Calgary came through to conquer your circumstances.

Categories: John