John 11: 1-45 has been a puzzle that many have not been able to unravel. It was the story of how Jesus waited for 4 days and healed Lazarus after he was dead. Aside from trying to know why Jesus wept; there is another question that can be asked here; which is ‘why did Jesus have to wait for 4 days?’. I think we should start from there. It is easy, vs 4 says, ‘it is for God’s glory’. BUT does that mean that he went there to display his power; to show that I can raise him up so that people will believe in me because of my ‘magic’. No! God has all the powers; He does not need to prove himself to any mortal.
He could have healed him that same hour but he didn’t! WHY? He has done it before but those people had faith that delivered it. Mary’s level of faith was ‘if only you can be here… vs 21,32’.**evidences have shown that for great miracles to be done’ Jesus requires someone with virtue of faith to draw it from him. No wonder he had to wait. Jesus actually had the intent (bible says he loved him and his sister vs 5) but there was just nothing he could do without faith.
For Jesus to be there was almost impossible (vs 8) but he was determined to risk all and go at night .He really wanted to heal him. This was the reason why he cried when he saw him wrapped up like a dead man. He was moved with emotion and couldn’t help but express it but of the unbelief of men.
Then he started taking some measures of faith. Firstly he said the sickness was not unto death vs 4; then he said he sleeps he needs waking up, vs 12-13. While he was waiting he was communing with the father, praying for Mary the way he prayed for Peter. How did I know this vs 41 he thanked the Father for answering him.
Another thing is he only minded the person with faith (the way Moses believed the report of Caleb and Joshua). He couldn’t do it before because there was no faith but now he found a small seed of faith in Mary’ he dwelled on that and developed it.
**Jesus was almost certain there would be a miracle. A miracle worker always knows where and with who he is sure he would get a miracle done. Jesus knew there was someone there that has chosen the right path. Mary had the word in her (the bible started that at every opportunity she stayed by Jesus’ side to learn the word) but she just couldn’t link it up to give her the right understanding for the delivery of such deed. She knew if Jesus were to be there such wouldn’t have happened and she also knew Jesus would raise him up on the day of resurrection. Jesus helped her understanding by telling her that ‘resurrection’ is not a day but a ‘person’; then she understood that Jesus is the resurrection.
Lessons:
1. Hearing the word of God at every available opportunity, whether you think you need it or not is very important; it deposits in you strange solutions to tomorrow problems.
2. With the word of God in you, you have the capacity to give birth to miracle** even though you walk through the valley of shadow of death fear no evil.
3. Instead of giving up or looking elsewhere for help, pray to God to send helper that will bring in you the understanding (faith) that will set you free.
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