38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 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.”
Personal Reflection and Discussion
Jesus reveals in this passage that He is more powerful than death.
- What do you think Lazarus’ sisters, family and friends (who had been mourning his death for four days) were thinking and feeling as this event unfolded?
- What do you think Lazarus experienced during the four days after his death and before his resurrection?
- What do you think Lazarus experienced in and through his resurrection? Was it a blessing or curse?
- If you died, would you want to be brought back to life? Why or why not?
Prayer
Father, I thank you that you hear me – my inmost thoughts and my outward prayers. Continue to show me your presence that I may believe. When I can’t “see”, help me to still believe. Amen.
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: hear | Transliterated Word: akouo (ak-oo-o)
To hear – come (to the ears), listen, report, understand, word. By implication, to give heed to, to obey, give heed
Family Engagement Activity
Take time today to remember someone who is in heaven. Talk about the great importance Jesus plays in our life after death. Maybe choose someone the family has lost and make a picture of all the fun things that person is doing in heaven.
Going Activities To Consider
Visit the grave of someone you know/love or look at old pictures of someone you have lost. Remember the resurrection you will one day experience and that they, too, are experiencing now.