Greetings, the Sunday School lesson for tomorrow comes from John 11:38-44. Its titled "The Death of a Friend" Its a very familiar lesson, as it focuses on the death and resurrection of Lazarus. Before we begin, one phenomenal thing I remember, Jesus previously shared in John 6:44 He said "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day." I said that to say, there is a reason you are reading this right now. Yes, its a familiar passage, but God's Word can get more relevant and relational after each read. God is drawing us closer, building us up and teaching us how to love, through His Son Jesus. He chooses us! It is then up to us to accept.
Today's lesson begins right off in verse 38 - "Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb." As is it brought out in previous verses, when Jesus saw the others around Him weeping at the death of Lazarus, It says in verse 33 that "He groaned in the spirit and was troubled" - I believe He felt empathy for them; as it goes on to say "Jesus wept" in verse 35. Doesn't this exemplify the love, compassion, and caring Spirit He has! Jesus then commands them to move the stone covering the cave. Martha, Lazarus' sister was concerned there would be a stench as the dead body laid there for 4 days. Jesus then replies "“Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” So true today; we shouldn't fear or be worried about the stench of life; neither overly concerned with the things we cannot change. We must believe and let God handle the situation. Once He does so, Give Him the Glory and credit He so much deserves! - Back to the scriptures, Once they removed the stone from the tomb. 41 "Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 "And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” If I may focus on this powerful scripture as I conclude. Jesus, does this why? So the people standing by would believe that God sent Him into the World. Its such a wonderful example of how our relationship with God should be! We should thank Him for hearing our prayer (v. 41), trust and know that He is always listening to us! (v.42) And the last point, we should want others to see that we are Christians, Men and Women of faith, hope and love! Jesus knew God heard Him, but He said that so others can be a witness! The lesson then ends with. 43 "Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 "And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”
Let God empower you!
Be Genuine in your faith!
Be God fearing!
Pray and show love!
God bless you all - Thanks for reading!
In Jesus name, Amen.
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