What Jesus Did! 'Discounted Love' — John 11:36-37

Sunday, August 9, 2026

The people who were standing nearby [saw Jesus weep and] said, "See how much he loved [Lazarus]!" But some said, "This man healed a blind man. Couldn't he have kept Lazarus from dying?"
— John 11:36-37 NLT

Key Thought

Satan has a way of trying to distort any good thing and corrupt it. We shouldn't be surprised that he would try to distort Jesus' genuine love for Lazarus by casting doubt on why he was so late in coming when he could have helped Lazarus: "He could heal folks, so why didn't he heal Lazarus? He could have stopped all this pain, so why didn't he?" The evil one also causes us to ask those questions about the Lord's intentions for us as well. Satan stirs our minds with uncertainties, trying to make us doubt the Lord's love for us. But we won't let Satan steal God's love for us in our moments of shock, sorrow, and loss. We know the Lord is here and cares for us. He demonstrated that when he suffered and died for us. So while we may not have the answer to our "Why?" question, we don't let that keep us from the right answer to the "Who?" question. Jesus is our answer! Jesus is our hope! We know he is because he demonstrated his love for us and nothing can rob the nails of the cross from God's triumphant message to us when he tells us: "I have a never-ending love for you!"

Today's Prayer

Holy Father, please give me the wisdom to discern the false and deceptive voice of Satan as he seeks to work discouragement and doubt in me through the confusing and hurtful times of my life. Hold my heart with the love your Son showed me on the cross. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

What If?
Article by Teresa Bell Kindred
How do we handle our deepest grief? Teresa Bell Kindred writes about the 24th anniversary of her mother's death and how it is still real to her and then she gives some good pointers on grief.
Heartbroken!
Article by Phil Ware
In the middle of our grief, loss, and brokenness, we must remember that we are not alone in our brokenness. Phil Ware reminds us that God shares our pain in our worst moments of grief and loss, God is heartbroken with us.

Illustration

Illustration of John 11:36-37 NLT — The people who were standing nearby [saw Jesus weep and] said, "See how much he loved [Lazarus]!" But some said, "This man healed a blind man. Couldn't he have kept Lazarus from dying?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 9, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Test the Spirits' (1 Jn. 4:1)
"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God's Servant for God's People' (Acts 3:22-26)
"[Peter continued,] "Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Has Always Marked His People' (Ge. 17:13)
"All must be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant. In [Christ] you were circumcised. It was not a circumcision..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

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.

More What Jesus Did!