Thoughts on the Gospel of John (101) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things that Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.
John 11:45.46.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (101)
In the impressive account of the death and resurrection of Lazarus five expressions virtually summarise the entire story. We find them in verses 4, 5, 17, 35, and 39: Jesus heard, Jesus loved, Jesus came, Jesus wept and Jesus said.

Countless believers have already experienced the effect of the first four of these expressions in some way. They give us the courage to trust the Lord Jesus in all life's circumstances. Actually hearing the voice of Jesus is what all who "sleep in Jesus" await. Then the "dead in Christ" will rise again: death must surrender them, so that they will be for ever with Christ together with believers who are still alive (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17).

Lazarus' resurrection impressed many at the time. The Lord had indeed already raised others, Jairus' daughter soon after the death of the son of the widow in Nain. But it was the raising of Lazarus from the tomb that revealed divine power most clearly, for his corpse was already in the process of corruption.

Whoever considers the life and works of Jesus is forced to make a decision, even today's observers. Either we open our hearts and believe in Him, or we take our stand on the side of His enemies, as people did then. Whoever believes will reap eternal life; whoever rejects Him will "reap corruption" (Galatians 6:8), i.e. eternal condemnation. Therefore "lay hold on eternal life" (1 Timothy 6:12).

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Joshua 10:1-11 · 1 Corinthians 8:9-13