The Gospel of John 11:11-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.” (John 11:11-13 KJV)

These passages reveal few insightful revelations in context with God's ultimate plan for His flock, those whom He gives the right to be His children by faith in Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus used the term sleep for Lazarus who already died even before the message of his illness reached Him. For believers in Christ Jesus, this assures us all who rest in His grace that we'll never die. We only sleep after our mission here on earth is done. Then, we will arise and live forever. As the Lord said He will go and wake him, He will wake us too from our sleep when time comes.

The disciples, whose frame of mind were still in the general perspective of the world - not having fully grasp the fullness of truth yet, thought that the Lord was talking about a nap or normal cycle of rest to regain strength. When He declared "Lazarus has fallen asleep", they were thinking that Lazarus was getting better in a physical sense. They're unaware he was already physically dead days earlier, shortly after the messenger of Mary and Martha left to inform the Lord. The Lord Jesus knew it when He received the words from His beloved friends Mary and Martha. Which was the reason He delayed two days before returning to Bethany. This sets the stage for one of the most compelling signs to be manifest who the Lord really is, as it is written: “But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”” (John 11:4 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

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