John 11:41-44
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
The scene is at first a sad one. Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus died. They sent for Jesus to come heal their brother when he fell ill but Jesus didn’t arrive before Lazarus succumbed to death.
Everyone is upset and many were confused. They saw Jesus perform many miracles. Surely he could have saved this one whom he loved dearly!
As before the miraculous feeding of the multitude, Jesus takes his time to proceed decently and in order. Everyone around him is overcome with grief. But Jesus will not be rushed. He knows he will do a miracle but he takes the time to thank his Father first.
Why? So that all who were listening would understand that he was sent by Father and only acts in obedience to the Father. The listeners also heard Jesus’ approach to the Father, gratitude. After Jesus gave thanks to God, the Father, he miraculously raised Lazarus from the dead.
Sometimes you need a miracle to come to you or through you. Expect God to do the impossible. Take the time to acknowledge and thank God for what he is going to do.
Victoria Carrington 