The Timing of Jesus - 3/09/08

Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus

Jesus waited to go to them until Lazarus has died

Mary & Martha – “Lord, if you had been here …”

Jesus wept – feeling their pain

Jesus had a larger purpose - for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it; the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.  Sometimes pain is necessary for a greater good.  Shots, surgery, etc.

Jesus raises Lazarus – God’ purpose is revealed.  Jesus’ authority over death itself is proved.

Jesus did not heal every disease or raise all who had died.  The answers to our prayers may not come when we want them to.  We still experience suffering and death.  Jesus weeps with us.  We have the promise that those who die in Christ will still live

John 11: 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;