1 00:00:00,710 --> 00:00:03,890 Speaker 1: The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some 2 00:00:03,950 --> 00:00:08,710 Speaker 1: count slowness. But He is patient with us, not wishing 3 00:00:08,750 --> 00:00:16,100 Speaker 1: that anyone should perish. 2 Peter 3.9 Dear Lord, our 4 00:00:16,140 --> 00:00:19,700 Speaker 1: hearts are moved by the depth of Your patience and 5 00:00:19,720 --> 00:00:24,640 Speaker 1: the breadth of Your mercy. In humility we recognize our 6 00:00:24,820 --> 00:00:30,970 Speaker 1: own impatience and our limited understanding of Your timings. We 7 00:00:31,010 --> 00:00:35,370 Speaker 1: confess the times we've doubted your plan, questioned the delay 8 00:00:35,409 --> 00:00:39,170 Speaker 1: in your promises, not seeing the bigger picture of your 9 00:00:39,210 --> 00:00:44,120 Speaker 1: redemptive work. Teach us, O God, to embrace patience as 10 00:00:44,159 --> 00:00:49,940 Speaker 1: a gift, an opportunity for more. Help us to mirror 11 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:54,910 Speaker 1: your patience in our interactions with others, cultivating hearts that 12 00:00:55,010 --> 00:01:00,340 Speaker 1: are slow to anger and rich in mercy. May we 13 00:01:00,440 --> 00:01:05,140 Speaker 1: be instruments of your peace, extending the invitation to repentance 14 00:01:05,580 --> 00:01:09,920 Speaker 1: through our words and actions, embodying the hope and grace 15 00:01:10,319 --> 00:01:15,720 Speaker 1: that you offer. Deepen our appreciation for your timing and purpose, 16 00:01:17,000 --> 00:01:23,209 Speaker 1: grounding us in the assurance of your coming victory. In 17 00:01:23,250 --> 00:01:28,950 Speaker 1: this season of waiting, refine us, use us, and prepare 18 00:01:29,030 --> 00:01:34,440 Speaker 1: us for the glorious day of your return. In Jesus' name. 19 00:01:36,020 --> 00:01:36,360 Speaker 2: Amen. 20 00:01:38,660 --> 00:01:41,830 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. This is the 21 00:01:41,910 --> 00:01:47,490 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast. Remain here to immerse yourself in the heart-wrenching 22 00:01:47,610 --> 00:01:52,850 Speaker 1: story of Lazarus. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far 23 00:01:53,150 --> 00:01:57,190 Speaker 1: and are wondering how to support us, follow, leave a review, 24 00:01:57,630 --> 00:02:01,900 Speaker 1: and share it with a friend. These small steps make 25 00:02:02,060 --> 00:02:08,410 Speaker 1: all the difference. Thanks for making the mission possible. Dusky 26 00:02:08,490 --> 00:02:13,169 Speaker 1: clouds hovered over the quiet town of Bethany. The moon 27 00:02:13,430 --> 00:02:17,790 Speaker 1: was desperate to shine through, but the thick fog kept 28 00:02:17,810 --> 00:02:22,760 Speaker 1: it at bay. Most of the lights down below were 29 00:02:22,800 --> 00:02:28,620 Speaker 1: snuffed out. Nestled on the hillside was the home of Lazarus, Mary, 30 00:02:28,820 --> 00:02:34,160 Speaker 1: and Martha. A single flickering light emanated from an open window. 31 00:02:35,750 --> 00:02:40,169 Speaker 1: The house, once bustling with life and laughter, was silent, 32 00:02:40,910 --> 00:02:44,929 Speaker 1: except for the sound of labored breaths and painful coughs. 33 00:02:46,870 --> 00:02:50,940 Speaker 1: Mary sat beside her brother's bed, holding his hand in hers. 34 00:02:52,700 --> 00:02:56,440 Speaker 1: Lazarus was trembling from a fever, fighting for his life. 35 00:02:57,760 --> 00:03:02,049 Speaker 1: A pale shell of himself, replaced his once lively and 36 00:03:02,130 --> 00:03:09,290 Speaker 1: bright countenance. His coughs echoed into the night, blood pouring 37 00:03:09,350 --> 00:03:13,510 Speaker 1: from his lungs and onto the cloth beside him. Mary 38 00:03:13,570 --> 00:03:15,850 Speaker 1: flinched every time Lazarus fought for air. 39 00:03:16,950 --> 00:03:20,060 Speaker 2: Martha, it's happening again! More blood! 40 00:03:21,010 --> 00:03:24,200 Speaker 1: Martha rushed into the room with warm water and more rags. 41 00:03:25,220 --> 00:03:29,240 Speaker 1: She wrung one out, dabbed his face, and placed another 42 00:03:29,380 --> 00:03:33,650 Speaker 1: on his forehead. Lazarus began another fit of coughing. 43 00:03:35,070 --> 00:03:36,370 Speaker 3: Shh, there, there, baby brother. 44 00:03:37,150 --> 00:03:41,430 Speaker 1: Martha whispered with a low, soothing tone. Her hands trembled 45 00:03:41,490 --> 00:03:45,230 Speaker 1: as she dabbed his forehead. She pursed her lips and 46 00:03:45,370 --> 00:03:50,190 Speaker 1: clenched her throat, holding back tears. Now wasn't the time 47 00:03:50,230 --> 00:03:54,690 Speaker 1: for sobs. She needed to be strong for Lazarus and Mary. 48 00:03:55,890 --> 00:03:56,690 Speaker 2: Is he going to die? 49 00:03:57,810 --> 00:04:00,340 Speaker 1: Mary whispered to Martha, voice quivering with grief. 50 00:04:01,210 --> 00:04:04,730 Speaker 2: Get the aloe from the stone box outside, Martha commanded. 51 00:04:05,430 --> 00:04:07,410 Speaker 2: Crush it in a bowl with mint and mix it 52 00:04:07,450 --> 00:04:10,240 Speaker 2: with boiling water. Soak some rags in it and bring 53 00:04:10,260 --> 00:04:11,580 Speaker 2: it back up here for Lazarus. 54 00:04:11,880 --> 00:04:12,160 Speaker 4: Go! 55 00:04:12,820 --> 00:04:16,520 Speaker 1: Mary furrowed her brow and left. Once she was gone, 56 00:04:17,200 --> 00:04:18,799 Speaker 1: Martha squeezed her brother's hand. 57 00:04:19,500 --> 00:04:20,280 Speaker 3: Oh, you know Mary. 58 00:04:20,700 --> 00:04:22,200 Speaker 2: Cries over a gnat being swatted. 59 00:04:22,220 --> 00:04:25,799 Speaker 1: A slight smile creased at the edge of Lazarus' mouth. 60 00:04:26,740 --> 00:04:30,460 Speaker 3: She cries extra so that you don't have to. But 61 00:04:30,620 --> 00:04:33,520 Speaker 3: I know you sent her out because you don't want 62 00:04:33,560 --> 00:04:34,740 Speaker 3: to answer her question. 63 00:04:35,350 --> 00:04:40,470 Speaker 1: Martha didn't respond. She squeezed her little brother's hand and smiled. 64 00:04:41,850 --> 00:04:48,270 Speaker 1: Lazarus drifted back to sleep, shimmering and sweating. Martha leaned 65 00:04:48,370 --> 00:04:51,330 Speaker 1: over and kissed his hand. We should send for him, 66 00:04:51,930 --> 00:04:57,020 Speaker 1: Mary said from behind. Martha turned around. She returned with 67 00:04:57,050 --> 00:05:01,990 Speaker 1: the aloe-soaked rags and laid them on Lazarus' chest. The 68 00:05:02,029 --> 00:05:06,490 Speaker 1: vapor soothed his labored breathing. Mary rubbed her red eyes 69 00:05:06,910 --> 00:05:07,370 Speaker 1: and sniffed. 70 00:05:08,210 --> 00:05:10,870 Speaker 2: He's his best friend. He'd come right away. 71 00:05:11,690 --> 00:05:16,320 Speaker 1: Martha nodded in agreement. She kissed Lazarus on the forehead 72 00:05:16,520 --> 00:05:21,280 Speaker 1: and went downstairs. She called for Ethan, the teenage servant 73 00:05:21,320 --> 00:05:25,500 Speaker 1: in their father's household. He was more family than an employee. 74 00:05:26,420 --> 00:05:28,400 Speaker 1: raised by their father from a young age. 75 00:05:29,220 --> 00:05:29,500 Speaker 2: Ethan! 76 00:05:30,380 --> 00:05:33,020 Speaker 1: She placed some bread, cheese, and a water skin in 77 00:05:33,060 --> 00:05:37,070 Speaker 1: a satchel. Ethan ran into the room and bowed his head. 78 00:05:37,690 --> 00:05:39,910 Speaker 2: Ethan, I need you to be resourceful and strong for 79 00:05:39,950 --> 00:05:40,549 Speaker 2: this family. 80 00:05:41,230 --> 00:05:44,170 Speaker 1: She held the boy's face and looked at him intensely. 81 00:05:44,790 --> 00:05:48,150 Speaker 2: Lazarus is going to die unless we find Jesus of Nazareth. 82 00:05:48,750 --> 00:05:50,840 Speaker 2: I don't know where he is, but something tells me 83 00:05:50,900 --> 00:05:53,900 Speaker 2: if you ask around, someone will know. Tell him that 84 00:05:53,940 --> 00:05:55,599 Speaker 2: the one he loves is sick. 85 00:05:56,360 --> 00:06:00,780 Speaker 1: Ethan nodded in understanding. Martha smiled and patted his cheek. 86 00:06:01,400 --> 00:06:04,080 Speaker 2: Good boy, here's a pack of food and water. Don't 87 00:06:04,200 --> 00:06:05,500 Speaker 2: rest until you find him. 88 00:06:06,120 --> 00:06:06,400 Speaker 4: Go! 89 00:06:07,080 --> 00:06:11,020 Speaker 1: The boy was lean and fast. He knew if he 90 00:06:11,120 --> 00:06:14,060 Speaker 1: ran through the night, he could find Jesus by dusk 91 00:06:14,170 --> 00:06:19,390 Speaker 1: the following day. He disappeared into the foggy night, torchlight 92 00:06:19,470 --> 00:06:20,989 Speaker 1: fading more with every stride. 93 00:06:27,220 --> 00:06:29,349 Speaker 5: Do you feel like Jesus is for you? Do you 94 00:06:29,380 --> 00:06:31,610 Speaker 5: believe that he cares for you? If we feel like 95 00:06:31,630 --> 00:06:33,990 Speaker 5: we have to convince Jesus to help us, it may 96 00:06:34,050 --> 00:06:36,430 Speaker 5: cause us to hesitate in coming to him. But if 97 00:06:36,450 --> 00:06:38,650 Speaker 5: we understand the depths of Christ's love for us, we 98 00:06:38,690 --> 00:06:40,739 Speaker 5: can be confident that he will help us in our 99 00:06:40,770 --> 00:06:44,000 Speaker 5: time of need. Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, a year 100 00:06:44,020 --> 00:06:45,940 Speaker 5: of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the 101 00:06:45,960 --> 00:06:48,840 Speaker 5: glory of God's truth. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com. 102 00:06:48,920 --> 00:06:50,860 Speaker 5: Thanks for joining us today for part one of a 103 00:06:50,940 --> 00:06:54,120 Speaker 5: two-part finale in Miracles of the Messiah. Be sure to 104 00:06:54,150 --> 00:06:56,680 Speaker 5: follow the podcast as you don't miss any of these 105 00:06:56,740 --> 00:07:00,240 Speaker 5: amazing stories of God's love. Today's story introduces us to 106 00:07:00,320 --> 00:07:03,339 Speaker 5: Mary and her sister Martha. Now, we've seen them before, 107 00:07:03,820 --> 00:07:05,849 Speaker 5: but we are about to experience them in a much 108 00:07:05,880 --> 00:07:09,930 Speaker 5: more tragic light. Having known Jesus since childhood, the sisters 109 00:07:10,110 --> 00:07:12,510 Speaker 5: share with them the news that their brother Lazarus has 110 00:07:12,550 --> 00:07:15,510 Speaker 5: fallen ill. But they're not coming to him as lifelong friends. 111 00:07:15,950 --> 00:07:18,600 Speaker 5: This time, they come to Jesus as a miracle worker 112 00:07:18,650 --> 00:07:21,340 Speaker 5: in the Messiah, praying for a miracle that can save 113 00:07:21,360 --> 00:07:24,020 Speaker 5: their brother. Through our story, we'll be pushed to trust 114 00:07:24,060 --> 00:07:27,040 Speaker 5: in Jesus, learning that his plans may often be different 115 00:07:27,060 --> 00:07:30,070 Speaker 5: than ours. And when it comes to Jesus, different ways 116 00:07:30,290 --> 00:07:33,530 Speaker 5: always means better. As you listen, I encourage you to 117 00:07:33,570 --> 00:07:35,590 Speaker 5: allow yourself to connect with Mary and Martha in their 118 00:07:35,610 --> 00:07:39,510 Speaker 5: time of emotional distress, letting Jesus minister to your heart 119 00:07:39,910 --> 00:07:40,170 Speaker 5: as he. 120 00:07:40,110 --> 00:07:45,430 Speaker 1: Does to theirs. It was a cold night. The air 121 00:07:45,490 --> 00:07:50,250 Speaker 1: was wet, primed for a storm. Any sign of light 122 00:07:50,300 --> 00:07:54,250 Speaker 1: from the heavens was hidden. Behind the thick veil of clouds, 123 00:07:55,330 --> 00:08:01,770 Speaker 1: they rotated overhead, preparing to crack open for rain. Jesus' 124 00:08:01,830 --> 00:08:04,330 Speaker 1: knees were pressed into the cold floor of his room. 125 00:08:05,610 --> 00:08:09,690 Speaker 1: A small candle flickered beside him, illuminating his moving lips, 126 00:08:10,570 --> 00:08:15,230 Speaker 1: whispering prayers to his father. The chief priests and Jewish 127 00:08:15,290 --> 00:08:20,690 Speaker 1: rulers grew more provoked by the day. Jesus knew his 128 00:08:20,750 --> 00:08:26,480 Speaker 1: time was near. So he prayed. He prayed for his resolve. 129 00:08:27,660 --> 00:08:31,820 Speaker 1: He prayed for his followers. He prayed that the Father's 130 00:08:31,940 --> 00:08:37,240 Speaker 1: will would be done on earth as in heaven. Jesus' 131 00:08:37,340 --> 00:08:42,780 Speaker 1: prayers rose and fell with different petitions and praises. His 132 00:08:42,880 --> 00:08:53,860 Speaker 1: prayers were long, labored, raw, powerful, beautiful, and intimate. His 133 00:08:53,920 --> 00:08:57,790 Speaker 1: prayers were interrupted by a tapping on the door. It 134 00:08:57,850 --> 00:09:01,490 Speaker 1: slowly creaked open. Thomas peeked his head in. 135 00:09:02,650 --> 00:09:06,470 Speaker 4: Master, there's a visitor here for you. He says it's urgent. 136 00:09:07,570 --> 00:09:08,100 Speaker 3: Send him in. 137 00:09:08,700 --> 00:09:13,100 Speaker 1: The young boy, Ethan, stepped forward somberly. Jesus rose to 138 00:09:13,140 --> 00:09:14,800 Speaker 1: his feet and greeted the young man. 139 00:09:15,340 --> 00:09:19,560 Speaker 3: Ethan, you've come this far from Bethany? That's thirty miles 140 00:09:19,620 --> 00:09:21,260 Speaker 3: from here. What happened? 141 00:09:21,870 --> 00:09:22,170 Speaker 1: Lord. 142 00:09:22,809 --> 00:09:24,870 Speaker 3: I've come to tell you that the one you love 143 00:09:25,330 --> 00:09:26,590 Speaker 3: has become very sick. 144 00:09:27,250 --> 00:09:28,090 Speaker 4: He needs you. 145 00:09:28,809 --> 00:09:33,910 Speaker 1: Of course, Jesus knew Ethan was talking about Lazarus. Jesus 146 00:09:33,970 --> 00:09:39,490 Speaker 1: was silent for a long, drawn-out moment. The news hovered 147 00:09:39,510 --> 00:09:43,910 Speaker 1: in the air for a while, like the clouds. Thomas 148 00:09:43,990 --> 00:09:48,190 Speaker 1: looked at Jesus closely. It seemed as though his mind 149 00:09:48,309 --> 00:09:51,890 Speaker 1: was elsewhere, like he could hear a voice nobody else could. 150 00:09:53,750 --> 00:09:56,240 Speaker 1: Thomas wondered if he would leave at that moment to 151 00:09:56,280 --> 00:10:00,699 Speaker 1: be at Lazarus' side. But instead Jesus nodded. as if 152 00:10:01,160 --> 00:10:05,200 Speaker 1: resolving a conversation he had had with himself, and then said, 153 00:10:05,840 --> 00:10:06,420 Speaker 1: Very well then. 154 00:10:06,920 --> 00:10:10,140 Speaker 3: Thomas, could you get Ethan something to eat and get 155 00:10:10,179 --> 00:10:13,140 Speaker 3: him a few blankets? I'm sure he's tired from so 156 00:10:13,179 --> 00:10:13,850 Speaker 3: much travel. 157 00:10:14,330 --> 00:10:16,550 Speaker 1: That's it, Thomas replied, confused. 158 00:10:17,270 --> 00:10:20,439 Speaker 4: What message should Ethan send back home? Are you leaving 159 00:10:20,480 --> 00:10:21,020 Speaker 4: for Judea? 160 00:10:21,559 --> 00:10:21,780 Speaker 3: No. 161 00:10:22,350 --> 00:10:22,640 Speaker 4: Why? 162 00:10:23,179 --> 00:10:26,689 Speaker 1: Jesus placed reassuring hands on Ethan and Thomas' shoulders. 163 00:10:27,330 --> 00:10:30,510 Speaker 3: This illness doesn't lead to death. It is for the 164 00:10:30,550 --> 00:10:33,490 Speaker 3: glory of the Father, so that the Son may be 165 00:10:33,550 --> 00:10:37,030 Speaker 3: glorified through it. Is that what I should tell Martha 166 00:10:37,429 --> 00:10:40,780 Speaker 3: when I leave in the morning? Yes, although I'm sure 167 00:10:40,840 --> 00:10:42,040 Speaker 3: the answer won't please her. 168 00:10:42,440 --> 00:10:45,540 Speaker 1: Jesus left the room to fetch Ethan warm blankets and 169 00:10:45,559 --> 00:10:49,080 Speaker 1: a hot meal. Ethan and Thomas looked at each other 170 00:10:49,170 --> 00:10:55,620 Speaker 1: in confusion. Jesus seemed unfazed by the news. Was he 171 00:10:55,660 --> 00:11:01,120 Speaker 1: in denial? Or did he simply not even care? Two 172 00:11:01,179 --> 00:11:05,920 Speaker 1: days had passed since Jesus learned about Lazarus' illness. It 173 00:11:05,970 --> 00:11:08,829 Speaker 1: was hard to tell that the sun had risen since 174 00:11:08,890 --> 00:11:13,890 Speaker 1: the storm clouds still covered the skies. Dawn's rays were 175 00:11:13,929 --> 00:11:17,189 Speaker 1: filtered through a dark haze. washing the color out of 176 00:11:17,230 --> 00:11:22,750 Speaker 1: the land below. Jesus sat on the rooftop, looking westward 177 00:11:23,070 --> 00:11:29,800 Speaker 1: toward Judea. He knew that Lazarus had passed. His throat clenched, 178 00:11:30,480 --> 00:11:35,460 Speaker 1: and he breathed in deeply. The wind picked up and 179 00:11:35,600 --> 00:11:39,260 Speaker 1: blew in his direction, as if warning him not to 180 00:11:39,330 --> 00:11:43,469 Speaker 1: return to Judea. There was a price on his head, 181 00:11:44,790 --> 00:11:48,010 Speaker 1: If he stepped foot in that region, he'd be setting 182 00:11:48,059 --> 00:11:53,400 Speaker 1: his death in motion. Nevertheless, there was a task at hand, 183 00:11:54,460 --> 00:12:00,760 Speaker 1: a mission to complete. Jesus stood and stretched, then walked 184 00:12:00,780 --> 00:12:04,929 Speaker 1: down the stairs to wake his disciples. He nudged each 185 00:12:04,970 --> 00:12:09,010 Speaker 1: of them awake. Some, like Simon, were already awake with 186 00:12:09,050 --> 00:12:13,319 Speaker 1: the sunrise. Others, like Peter, needed some kicks and jabs 187 00:12:13,380 --> 00:12:13,880 Speaker 1: to the ribs. 188 00:12:14,559 --> 00:12:18,260 Speaker 3: Everyone, up! Pack your things! Bring enough for a few days. 189 00:12:18,900 --> 00:12:21,260 Speaker 1: Peter grunted and pulled his mangled hair back. 190 00:12:21,920 --> 00:12:22,640 Speaker 4: Where are we going? 191 00:12:23,230 --> 00:12:26,070 Speaker 3: Back to Judea. Bethany, to be specific. 192 00:12:26,610 --> 00:12:30,010 Speaker 1: Jesus helped Matthew to his feet and ruffled John's hair. 193 00:12:30,710 --> 00:12:33,589 Speaker 4: Master, last time you were there, they tried to stone 194 00:12:33,610 --> 00:12:36,010 Speaker 4: you to death. And now you want to return? 195 00:12:37,050 --> 00:12:37,329 Speaker 1: Why? 196 00:12:37,850 --> 00:12:39,729 Speaker 3: Are there not twelve hours in the day? 197 00:12:40,190 --> 00:12:42,510 Speaker 1: Jesus urged with a knowing glint in his eyes. 198 00:12:43,250 --> 00:12:46,950 Speaker 3: If anyone walks in the day, he doesn't stumble because 199 00:12:46,970 --> 00:12:49,770 Speaker 3: he sees the light of this world. But if anyone 200 00:12:49,790 --> 00:12:54,010 Speaker 3: walks at night, he stumbles because the light is not 201 00:12:54,100 --> 00:12:54,380 Speaker 3: in him. 202 00:12:54,390 --> 00:13:00,660 Speaker 1: It's too early for riddles, Peter said, rubbing his temples. 203 00:13:01,340 --> 00:13:05,720 Speaker 3: All right, I'll speak plainly. Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, 204 00:13:06,320 --> 00:13:08,260 Speaker 3: but I intend to wake him. 205 00:13:08,840 --> 00:13:12,000 Speaker 1: Jesus slung his pack over his shoulder and began walking 206 00:13:12,080 --> 00:13:16,260 Speaker 1: out the door. The others huddled at the entrance, wondering 207 00:13:16,360 --> 00:13:18,260 Speaker 1: what on earth Jesus was talking about. 208 00:13:18,280 --> 00:13:22,589 Speaker 4: Lord, if Lazarus is asleep, won't he wake up on 209 00:13:22,630 --> 00:13:23,010 Speaker 4: his own? 210 00:13:23,470 --> 00:13:27,010 Speaker 1: Jesus stopped, sighed, and turned around. 211 00:13:27,570 --> 00:13:28,890 Speaker 3: Lazarus has died. 212 00:13:29,470 --> 00:13:30,410 Speaker 1: The others gasped. 213 00:13:32,170 --> 00:13:37,590 Speaker 4: Jesus, we're so sorry. We know you two were close. 214 00:13:38,090 --> 00:13:41,429 Speaker 3: Thank you, but I am glad for your sake I 215 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:45,980 Speaker 3: wasn't there. Because now... Now you will get to behold 216 00:13:46,040 --> 00:13:48,520 Speaker 3: the works of God and believe. 217 00:13:49,300 --> 00:13:51,320 Speaker 1: Jesus turned and started walking again. 218 00:13:51,920 --> 00:13:54,250 Speaker 3: Come, let's go wake him up. 219 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:59,610 Speaker 1: The disciples froze. There were many violent men in Judea 220 00:14:00,150 --> 00:14:05,690 Speaker 1: waiting to harm them. Thomas grabbed his walking stick, sighed, 221 00:14:05,770 --> 00:14:10,320 Speaker 1: and began walking after Jesus. He turned back to the. 222 00:14:10,260 --> 00:14:13,000 Speaker 4: Others and said, Come on, I guess we're going to 223 00:14:13,059 --> 00:14:13,580 Speaker 4: die with him. 224 00:14:14,110 --> 00:14:18,050 Speaker 1: The men looked at each other and chuckled. They quickly 225 00:14:18,110 --> 00:14:21,810 Speaker 1: gathered their things and followed Jesus to Judea. 226 00:14:25,460 --> 00:14:28,340 Speaker 5: Up until this point in Jesus' ministry, there had been 227 00:14:28,520 --> 00:14:31,560 Speaker 5: two instances of Jesus raising someone from the dead, the 228 00:14:31,600 --> 00:14:34,240 Speaker 5: son of the widow of Nain and the daughter of Jairus. 229 00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:37,900 Speaker 5: While Mary and Martha may not have known it, their 230 00:14:37,920 --> 00:14:41,170 Speaker 5: brother Lazarus would be the third and final person Jesus 231 00:14:41,230 --> 00:14:43,790 Speaker 5: raises from the dead during his time on earth. According 232 00:14:43,830 --> 00:14:46,690 Speaker 5: to John 12, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead only 233 00:14:46,770 --> 00:14:50,080 Speaker 5: six days before the Passover feast, meaning Jesus was nearing 234 00:14:50,100 --> 00:14:52,420 Speaker 5: the end of his time on earth. What a spectacular 235 00:14:52,460 --> 00:14:55,940 Speaker 5: way to foreshadow the salvation he would bring by giving 236 00:14:56,040 --> 00:14:59,680 Speaker 5: life to his beloved friend. Before Lazarus' death, his sisters 237 00:14:59,800 --> 00:15:02,400 Speaker 5: send word to Jesus of his illness, hoping that their 238 00:15:02,460 --> 00:15:05,200 Speaker 5: friend would be able to heal him before the situation 239 00:15:05,240 --> 00:15:08,380 Speaker 5: got worse. Wanting to comfort them in their fears, Jesus 240 00:15:08,420 --> 00:15:11,640 Speaker 5: sends word back to assure the sisters Lazarus' sickness would 241 00:15:11,680 --> 00:15:14,100 Speaker 5: not end in death. If we were to jump to 242 00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:17,780 Speaker 5: the end of the story, we know that Lazarus does die. However, 243 00:15:17,860 --> 00:15:20,540 Speaker 5: his death wouldn't be the end for him. But for 244 00:15:20,600 --> 00:15:23,359 Speaker 5: Mary and Martha, these words must have brought a lot 245 00:15:23,400 --> 00:15:26,750 Speaker 5: of conflicting emotions. At first, they find solace in these 246 00:15:26,830 --> 00:15:30,310 Speaker 5: words and affirmation. However, it wouldn't be long before Lazarus 247 00:15:30,630 --> 00:15:34,290 Speaker 5: does in fact die. Could it be that Jesus was wrong? 248 00:15:34,630 --> 00:15:38,470 Speaker 5: Certainly not. But it must have felt that way. They 249 00:15:38,490 --> 00:15:40,650 Speaker 5: had a promise from the Lord that their brother's illness 250 00:15:40,670 --> 00:15:43,070 Speaker 5: wouldn't lead to death. but all signs are pointing in 251 00:15:43,090 --> 00:15:46,470 Speaker 5: the opposite direction. Maybe you found yourself in a similar situation. 252 00:15:46,730 --> 00:15:48,670 Speaker 5: You know God has made you a promise, but your 253 00:15:48,730 --> 00:15:52,190 Speaker 5: circumstances seem to conflict with any sense that that's true. 254 00:15:52,830 --> 00:15:55,650 Speaker 5: But God doesn't make promises without fully intending to keep them. 255 00:15:55,910 --> 00:15:58,200 Speaker 5: Whatever God tells us, we can be sure that he's 256 00:15:58,220 --> 00:16:01,540 Speaker 5: going to keep his word. So don't lose hope just 257 00:16:01,580 --> 00:16:04,720 Speaker 5: because your situation doesn't look bright. The author of Hebrews 258 00:16:04,800 --> 00:16:09,480 Speaker 5: writes this, let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. 259 00:16:09,960 --> 00:16:13,900 Speaker 5: For he promises to be faithful, Hebrews 10.23. Even when 260 00:16:13,940 --> 00:16:16,300 Speaker 5: we can't perceive what God is doing, we can hold 261 00:16:16,340 --> 00:16:18,900 Speaker 5: on to the hope that he gives us. God is faithful, 262 00:16:19,020 --> 00:16:22,240 Speaker 5: and any promise he makes are ironclad and a guarantee. 263 00:16:22,760 --> 00:16:25,180 Speaker 5: Paul says this in 2 Corinthians 1, for no matter 264 00:16:25,250 --> 00:16:27,850 Speaker 5: how many promises God has made, they are yes in Christ. 265 00:16:28,050 --> 00:16:30,530 Speaker 5: And so through him, amen is spoken to us by 266 00:16:30,550 --> 00:16:33,150 Speaker 5: the glory of God. And we trust in God. We 267 00:16:33,190 --> 00:16:36,150 Speaker 5: can find joy in knowing whatever God allows to happen, 268 00:16:36,190 --> 00:16:38,250 Speaker 5: he's going to use it for glory. But That doesn't 269 00:16:38,270 --> 00:16:42,230 Speaker 5: make our present circumstances any less difficult. Sometimes the way 270 00:16:42,250 --> 00:16:45,310 Speaker 5: God wants to bring himself glory may be difficult for 271 00:16:45,370 --> 00:16:47,890 Speaker 5: us to understand. Let's think about the story for a second. 272 00:16:48,150 --> 00:16:51,630 Speaker 5: After Jesus receives word about Lazarus' failing health, he intentionally 273 00:16:51,750 --> 00:16:55,700 Speaker 5: stays where he is for two more days. This, in effect, 274 00:16:55,780 --> 00:16:59,239 Speaker 5: assures that Lazarus would die before he came. Jesus knew 275 00:16:59,280 --> 00:17:01,740 Speaker 5: that if he left right away, Lazarus would still be alive. 276 00:17:02,140 --> 00:17:05,359 Speaker 5: But this wasn't time for another miracle of healing. Guys, 277 00:17:05,619 --> 00:17:08,520 Speaker 5: we have been through so many miracles of healing. this 278 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:11,800 Speaker 5: was a time to perform an even greater miracle. In short, 279 00:17:12,140 --> 00:17:14,820 Speaker 5: Jesus knew the perfect timing to take action, and it 280 00:17:14,840 --> 00:17:19,040 Speaker 5: was actually this miracle that spurred the Pharisees on to 281 00:17:19,200 --> 00:17:24,100 Speaker 5: seek his death. This was the beginning of the end. 282 00:17:24,820 --> 00:17:26,899 Speaker 5: After Jesus sends word back to Mary and Martha, he 283 00:17:26,940 --> 00:17:29,640 Speaker 5: takes a moment to teach the disciples. At this point 284 00:17:29,700 --> 00:17:32,379 Speaker 5: in his ministry, Jesus had built up a lot of notoriety, 285 00:17:32,440 --> 00:17:36,010 Speaker 5: some which brought extreme persecution. It's clear that the disciples 286 00:17:36,050 --> 00:17:38,670 Speaker 5: were worried about this because going back to Judea would 287 00:17:38,730 --> 00:17:41,109 Speaker 5: mean death. Drawing near to the end of their three 288 00:17:41,130 --> 00:17:44,050 Speaker 5: years with him, they should have trusted in Jesus' protection. 289 00:17:44,430 --> 00:17:46,459 Speaker 5: But the Lord knew their hearts and understood that they 290 00:17:46,480 --> 00:17:49,160 Speaker 5: were still growing. In just a few days, Jesus would 291 00:17:49,200 --> 00:17:51,620 Speaker 5: be with the disciples celebrating the Passover in the upper room. 292 00:17:52,060 --> 00:17:54,720 Speaker 5: While there, Jesus would tell them in John 16, 33, 293 00:17:54,720 --> 00:17:56,899 Speaker 5: I have told you these things so that you may 294 00:17:56,940 --> 00:17:59,149 Speaker 5: have peace. In this world, you will have trouble, but 295 00:17:59,190 --> 00:18:02,390 Speaker 5: take heart. I have overcome the world. We can't fault 296 00:18:02,410 --> 00:18:05,649 Speaker 5: the disciples for needing reminders like this. We've likely all 297 00:18:05,690 --> 00:18:07,930 Speaker 5: had times where we were afraid of others because of 298 00:18:07,990 --> 00:18:10,910 Speaker 5: our faith. But we don't have to be afraid. Just 299 00:18:10,950 --> 00:18:13,790 Speaker 5: like the disciples had Jesus by their side to lead 300 00:18:13,830 --> 00:18:15,930 Speaker 5: them through the danger, we have been given the Spirit. 301 00:18:16,710 --> 00:18:18,889 Speaker 5: His presence is always with us, so don't be afraid 302 00:18:18,910 --> 00:18:21,179 Speaker 5: to go where Jesus calls you, because he has overcome 303 00:18:21,220 --> 00:18:24,800 Speaker 5: the world. One disciple that showed signs of understanding this 304 00:18:24,840 --> 00:18:27,440 Speaker 5: was Thomas. While the disciples were afraid of what might 305 00:18:27,480 --> 00:18:30,220 Speaker 5: happen to Jesus when they went back to Judea, Thomas 306 00:18:30,320 --> 00:18:33,260 Speaker 5: exhorts the other disciples that they should just go, even 307 00:18:33,300 --> 00:18:35,720 Speaker 5: if it meant dying. Thomas may not have known about 308 00:18:35,740 --> 00:18:38,119 Speaker 5: the promise of resurrection, but it's clear that he was 309 00:18:38,160 --> 00:18:41,719 Speaker 5: devoted and loyal to Jesus. Sometimes called the twin, it's 310 00:18:41,760 --> 00:18:45,240 Speaker 5: believed that Thomas had a striking resemblance to Jesus, which 311 00:18:45,260 --> 00:18:47,460 Speaker 5: meant that if Jesus faced the most danger in Judea, 312 00:18:47,840 --> 00:18:51,520 Speaker 5: Thomas would probably be close second. But through his urging 313 00:18:51,560 --> 00:18:54,040 Speaker 5: to join Jesus despite the risk of death, it's clear 314 00:18:54,080 --> 00:18:57,260 Speaker 5: that Thomas wanted to identify with Jesus more than just appearance. 315 00:18:57,720 --> 00:18:59,880 Speaker 5: He was willing to face death, even if it meant 316 00:19:00,290 --> 00:19:01,070 Speaker 5: following Christ.