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WORD AMONG US WAU.ORG Reflections
Daily Meditation: John 11:1-45
I have come to believe that you are the Christ. (John 11:27)
Martha’s faith was being tested. Surely she thought that once she sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick, he would come quickly to heal him. And yet John tells us that although Jesus “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,” he “remained for two days in the place where he was” (John 11:5, 6). How painful it must have been for Martha to watch helplessly as her brother died! How she must have wondered why Jesus hadn’t come sooner!
When Jesus does finally show up, Martha doesn’t hide her disappointment. If he had arrived in time, she tells him, “my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Yet her faith remains firmly intact: “Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you” (11:22). And when Jesus tells her that her brother will rise, she proclaims her belief “in the resurrection on the last day” (11:24). Martha must have been overjoyed when Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb!
Martha’s faith even in disappointment can be an inspiration for us, especially when we have “sent word” to Jesus, but he seems to be absent (John 11:3). Today’s Gospel shows us that when the Lord’s ways are confusing, he always has us on his heart and mind. He hears our prayers and has a plan for our lives even when we can’t envision it.
Martha came to believe that Jesus had the power to raise the dead and that his plans were higher than hers. Even though he hadn’t healed her brother, she still trusted him. So when you are in a place of waiting or disappointment, you can bring your pain to Jesus. You can allow him to reassure you that he is your loving Savior. He will strengthen your faith and hope. He will help you see his goodness in this life and, even more, in the life to come.
Always remember that Jesus hears your prayers. He will never, ever forsake you.
“Lord, I put my trust in you!”
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First Reading — Ezekiel 37:12-14
Which of these promises are most meaningful to you? Why?
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Second Reading — Romans 8:8-11
What does it mean to be “in the flesh” and “in the Spirit”?
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Gospel Reading — John 11:1-45
How have you experienced comfort in the loss of a loved one?
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How would you answer Jesus’ question in verse 26?
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What is the stone that needs to be rolled away so that you can experience new life?
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6. How can we help roll away the stone for others?
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