What Jesus Did : John 11:17-19 - Lord of Hopeless Causes
by Phil Ware
Lord of Hopeless Causes - John 11:17-19
Jesus arrived in Bethany. Jesus found that Lazarus had already been dead and in the tomb for four days. Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem. Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary. They came to comfort them about their brother {Lazarus}. (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
Did you ever notice that Jesus is the Lord of hopeless causes? Can you think of a funeral he attended that he didn't "ruin" by raising the dead person to life? Remember the time he provided a picnic for 5,000 from one boy’s "sardine sandwiches"? Do you recall how he about sank the futile fisherman's boat with fish? Wasn't it amazing when he saved the terrified sailors by calming the seas they feared would sink them? So in what area of your life do you find yourself hopeless? Have you ever just admitted that you are powerless to face it and invited him in? It might be a bumpy ride, but he is still the Lord of hopeless causes! Cry out and ask for his help. Admit your need for his help right now. Then go share that admission and ask for prayer and accountability from another brother or sister in Christ. I believe you will discover that he can put the hope back in your cause!
Today's Prayer
Give me hope, O Lord, for I rely on you and trust in your gracious power to carry me through. I cannot win the battle I now face without your power, presence, and mercy. Please be near with power. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
Jesus arrived in Bethany. Jesus found that Lazarus had already been dead and in the tomb for four days. Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem. Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary. They came to comfort them about their brother {Lazarus}. Martha heard that Jesus was coming. She went out to greet Jesus. But Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you anything you ask." Jesus said, "Your brother will rise and be alive again." Martha answered, "I know that he will rise to live again when people are resurrected (raised from death) on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection. I am life. The person that believes in me will have life {again} after he dies. And the person that lives and believes in me will never really die. Martha, do you believe this?" Martha answered, "Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God. You are the One that was coming to the world." After Martha said these things, she went back to her sister Mary. Martha talked to Mary alone. Martha said, "The Teacher (Jesus) is here. He is asking for you." When Mary heard this, she stood up and went quickly to Jesus. Jesus had not yet come into the village. He was still at the place where Martha met him. The Jews who had come were with Mary in the house. They were comforting her. They saw Mary stand and leave quickly. They thought that she was going to the tomb {of Lazarus}. They thought she was going there to cry. So they followed her. Mary went to the place where Jesus was. When she saw Jesus, she bowed at his feet. Mary said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Jesus saw that Mary was crying. Jesus saw the Jews that came with her. They were crying too. Jesus felt very upset. He was deeply troubled. Jesus asked, "Where did you put him (Lazarus)?" They said, "Lord, come and see." Jesus cried. And the Jews said, "Look! Jesus loved Lazarus verymuch!" But some of these Jews said, "Jesus healed the eyes of the blind man. Why didn't Jesus help Lazarus and stop him from dying?"-- John 11:17-37 (ERV)
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