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Sunday School Lesson
The Apostle John recorded seven "I Ams" that were declared by Jesus of Nazareth. It might be possible for "mere humans" to apply some of these terms to their lives. However, one of the "I Ams" can only be seen in the life and ministry of the divine son of God - "I am the resurrection (word used for the restoration of life from the dead) and the life..." John 11:25a. These words were not some kind of propaganda, but were "backed" by actions. Two sisters and their brother lived in the village of Bethany. The sisters were Martha and Mary. Their brother was Lazarus. John 11:1. Since "Mary" was a very common name among the Jewish women, John gave some information so that the reader would know "which Mary" was made reference. "(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment (Matthew 26:6, 7), and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)" John 11:2. These sisters sent word to their friend, Jesus, informing him of the fact. "Therefore (for the sake of this) his sisters sent unto him, saying, lord, behold, he whom thou lovest (have tender affection for) is sick." John 11:3. This bit of information seemed to have been ignored by the son of God. "When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death (separation of soul and body), but for the glory of God, that the son of God might be glorified thereby." John 11:4. The writer, John, explained the relation between Jesus and these siblings. "Now Jesus loved (self-giving love) Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." John 11:5. The apparent ignoring of the situation is further implied when John wrote, "When he had heard therefore (according to) that he was sick, he abode (remained) two days still (indeed) in the same place where he was." John 11:6. After this divine delay, it was time for action. "Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again." John 11:7. The disciples reminded the master of the opposition that he had met in that area. John 11:8. Our lord declared to these men - and to us - "Are there not 12 hours in the day? If any man (one) walk in the day, he stumbleth (to strike against) not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him." John 11:9, 10. After further discussion (John 11:12, 13), "Then said Jesus unto them plainly (bluntly; openly), Lazarus is dead." (John 11:14) When Jesus and the disciples "came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already (by this time)." John 11:17. As they came upon this "impossible situation," Martha "went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house." John 11:20c. John recorded the conversation that occurred. "Then said Martha unto Jesus, lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now (at this moment), whatsoever ('which' plus "possibility') thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." John 11:21, 22. The response of Jesus was a declamation, "Thy brother shall rise again (to stand up)." John 11:23. This grieving woman declared the eternal hope that rests in the heart of every believer. "Martha saith unto him, I know (am aware; to have knowledge) that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." John 11:24; Job 19:25- 27; Isaiah 26:19a. From her perspective, this "future hope" was her "only hope." "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth (to have complete trust) in me, though (even if) he were dead (to die off or out), yet shall he live..." John 11:25. The savior gave his promise to all mankind - "And whosoever (John 3:16) liveth (knows life on the highest plane) and believeth in me shall never (in no wise) die (word used of separation from God)." John 11:26a, b. He, then, directed Martha to express faith, even under these difficult circumstances. He asked, "Believeth thou this?" John:11:26c. The declaration of Martha showed a great grasp of the scope of the ministry of her personal friend. "She saith unto him, Yea (a particle of strong affirmation), lord: I believe that thou art the Christ (anointed), the son of God, which should come into the world (order; system)." John 11:27. These words were not "just another pretty speech," but words of great personal conviction that included a strong commitment to "whatever God would do." After Martha "stated her position," we are told that "she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly (so as to escape notice), saying, the master is come, and calleth (to call with a clear voice or message) for thee." John 11:28. When Mary came to Jesus, her manner of conversation reflected the thoughts of her sister. John 11:32. The sorrow that was demonstrated by this woman brought forth tenderness from the heart of the master. "When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned (to be painfully moved) in the spirit, and was troubled (to be stirred, as water)." John 11:33. The savior asked, "Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, Come and see." John 11:34. The declaration made by John recorded one of the many times when "Jesus wept." John 11:35. Those who came with Mary knew the power of the savior. A legitimate question was asked. John 11:37. When the group reached the cave - that was the tomb - a very unusual instruction was given. "Jesus said, take ye away the stone." John 11:39a. Martha did not understand the "future," since she was just as "human" as anyone else - "by this time he stinketh (the usual word for emitting a smell): for he hath been dead four days." John 11:39b,c. "Jesus saith unto her, said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" John 11:40. "Then they took away the stone..." John 11:41a. After Jesus prayed to the father - the creator of the universe - the man in the tomb was given a divine directive - "he (Jesus) cried (make an outcry) with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth." John 11:43b. The divine directive was obeyed. "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin (sweat-cloth; handkerchief). Jesus saith unto them (the bystanders), loose him, and let him go." John 11:44.
A miracle has been defined as "divine intervention in a natural process." Since Jesus is the "resurrection," do you need some kind of miracle in your life? Have you asked for divine help? Your situation might not include physical death, but some other "impossible" problem. We are directed to give these cares to our lord. 1 Peter 5:7. Why not trust him, today?
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