As I read through John 11 today, I was struck by the effect of the intentionality of those involved in the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead.
- Mary and Martha send word to Jesus, intentionally pursing their Lord for help. Lazarus is ill and they know that Jesus is able to save him. (11.3)
- Jesus intentionally remains two days longer after receiving the news that Lazarus is ill. Lazarus is ill, but Jesus knows that his delay will ultimately lead to the benefit of all involved, through the demonstration of his power and glory. (11.6)
- The disciples are confused by the fact that Jesus intentionally sets out to return to Jerusalem, where the Jews are seeking to kill him. (11.8)
- Jesus intentionally explains that Lazarus has, in fact, died. Lazarus is not simply sleeping or unconscious and recovering, but he is gone. (11.14)
- Jesus intentionally prays out loud. He wants to make sure that the people around him know that it was God who sent him. (11.42)
- Some Jews intentionally take word to the Pharisees. (11.46)
- Knowing that Jesus has performed great signs and miracles, the Pharisees intentionally choose to maintain their place in the eyes of Rome rather than follow Jesus. (11.48)
- UNINTENTIONALLY, Caiaphas prophesies that Jesus would die as the savior of the world. (11.51-52)
What can you do today to be intentional about pursuing Jesus as your savior? Who do you have in your life that can help keep you from intentionally defying God's desires as the Pharisees did? As your life moves forward, are you going to be an example of a willing participant in God's plan like Mary, Martha, and the disciples, or are you going to be proven to be an ignorant participant in God's plan despite your own efforts?
- Mary and Martha send word to Jesus, intentionally pursing their Lord for help. Lazarus is ill and they know that Jesus is able to save him. (11.3)
- Jesus intentionally remains two days longer after receiving the news that Lazarus is ill. Lazarus is ill, but Jesus knows that his delay will ultimately lead to the benefit of all involved, through the demonstration of his power and glory. (11.6)
- The disciples are confused by the fact that Jesus intentionally sets out to return to Jerusalem, where the Jews are seeking to kill him. (11.8)
- Jesus intentionally explains that Lazarus has, in fact, died. Lazarus is not simply sleeping or unconscious and recovering, but he is gone. (11.14)
- Jesus intentionally prays out loud. He wants to make sure that the people around him know that it was God who sent him. (11.42)
- Some Jews intentionally take word to the Pharisees. (11.46)
- Knowing that Jesus has performed great signs and miracles, the Pharisees intentionally choose to maintain their place in the eyes of Rome rather than follow Jesus. (11.48)
- UNINTENTIONALLY, Caiaphas prophesies that Jesus would die as the savior of the world. (11.51-52)
What can you do today to be intentional about pursuing Jesus as your savior? Who do you have in your life that can help keep you from intentionally defying God's desires as the Pharisees did? As your life moves forward, are you going to be an example of a willing participant in God's plan like Mary, Martha, and the disciples, or are you going to be proven to be an ignorant participant in God's plan despite your own efforts?
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