What Jesus Did! 'Faith in the Midst of Loss' — John 11:28-30

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Then [Martha] returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, "The Teacher is here and wants to see you." So Mary immediately went to him. Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him.
— John 11:28-30 NLT

Key Thought

I love the faith of this Mary and Mary Magdalene. Jesus will still be Mary Magdalene's Lord even after he is placed in the tomb and all appears to be lost (later in the Gospel of John). [1] And for Mary in our verses today, Jesus is still her hope, even though her brother Lazarus has died. She believes Jesus could have prevented it. [2] These women may not have had all the answers to all of their important questions, but they knew the one who is The Answer. While life will deal us some misfortunes and Satan will do what he can to wound and destroy us, don't let the confusion of the moment steal your faith that Jesus is The Answer. We will not have answers to all of our questions, but we do have The Answer to the biggest one: Who assures my relationship with God, both now and forevermore? Jesus!

[1] John 20:1-2.
[2] John 11:32.

Today's Prayer

Gracious and loving Father, please give me the faith of these two Marys. I want to keep believing in Jesus as my Lord no matter what happens in my life or what confusing issues cloud my mind. Jesus, in those difficult or confusing moments, I ask that you make your presence very real in my life, not just for my benefit, but so that those around me can know your glory. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 11:28-30 NLT — "The Teacher is here and wants to see you."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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