Live to Love Scripture Encouragement

John 11:33-35 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. “Weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15). We see a loving expression of empathy in Jesus. Although He knew Lazarus was only “sleeping” and that God was going to raise him for His glory, He still wept. John seems to imply that Jesus’ tears were motivated by a movement of God deep within His spirit which was troubling. What do you think was troubling? Was it that he saw familiar faces—Jews who caused trouble the last time He was in Jerusalem? I wonder if He always felt that way when He saw death—it was always troubling to see the affects of sin on His creation, wasn’t it? It’s what He came to conquer. For whatever the reason, Jesus was ready to look death in the face in the power of the Holy Spirit with His Father. But still He wept. Filled with the hope of glory, Jesus wept. Isn’t God’s love amazing? Lord, I worship You.

John 11:30-31 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and consoling her, when they saw that Mary got up quickly and went out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. God gathered the crowd to display His glory in His Son by having Mary not follow Martha in the beginning but stay with the friends who came to console her. When Mary finally heard that Jesus was on the way and called for her, they followed her. God is always at work providentially moving people into place to accomplish His will. This will happen today in our lives as God places people in our paths to love with Him. He loves them and wishes to do it through us for His glory even as He loved Mary, Martha, and those who mourned Lazarus’ death. Let’s be alert to everyone we see today. God planted them there.

John 11:29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and was coming to Him. When Jesus calls us, how quick do we respond? Mary was probably surrounded by people. We read two verses later that she was being consoled by the Jews who came from Jerusalem. I think John wants his readers to see another example of Mary’s love for and devotion to Jesus. We are disciples of Jesus as was Mary. Today, He may call for us to come at a time that is most inopportune. May we be like Mary, and get up quickly to express our love and bear our hearts to Jesus.

John 11:27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." What did Martha believe about Jesus? She believed He is the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world to save us from eternal death, which we deserve. This declaration ranks right up there with Peter’s, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). Will we join Martha’s voice in worship of Jesus Christ? I hope so. Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of God, who comes into the world to save us from our sins. We worship You.

John 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" Never dies! Faith in Jesus is the difference between eternal life and eternal death. Martha was asked if she believed in Him. Jesus might as well be asking the question of everyone who reads these words. Is He asking if we believe Jesus existed? Is He asking if we believe He was the best man that ever walked on earth? Do you believe that without Him, you don’t live? According to Jesus, if you don’t believe in Him, you are the walking dead. Everything done has the curse and stench of death on it. But if you believe in Jesus, everything done in Him has the blessing and aroma of life everlasting. Who do you believe Jesus is?