What Jesus Did! 'The Father Hears the Son!' — John 11:41-42

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

So they rolled the stone aside [from Lazarus' tomb]. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me."
— John 11:41-42 NLT

Key Thought

While Jesus hasn't taught his disciples the key principle yet, he is proving it beforehand: The Father hears the Son. There can be no clearer example of this truth than his command in the next verse for Lazarus, who is clearly (four days) dead, [1] to come out of his grave, and then it happens. [2] This demonstration is for our benefit. When Jesus later promises that we will be able to pray through him and the Father will do what the Son asks, we know it is true! The Father has already demonstrated it in what would seem to be the most impossible of situations! So let's seek the Father's will and glory, asking Jesus for his power to be released through our prayers.

[1] John 11:39.
[2] John 11:43-44.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for the assurance that when I pray in Jesus' name, you hear me. Please give me wisdom and boldness as I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 11:41-42 NLT — "Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me."

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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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