Beyond the Weekend: 10 Questions Jesus Asked
People were always asking Jesus questions. But he asked some too. 10 QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED delves into some of these questions. Through this series, we see that the questions Jesus asks reveals something about who he is and who we are. We are challenged to love, trust and follow Jesus through these conversations. Join Pastors Jeff Manion, Aaron Buer and Brad Holmes as they walk us through 10 QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED.
Week 1 Verses: John 1
Week 2 Verses: John 5
Week 3 Verses: John 9
Week 4 Verses: John 11
Week 5 Verses: John 21
Week 6 Verses: Matthew 6
Week 7 Verses: John 6
Week 8 Verses: Mark 4
Week 9 Verses: Luke 18
Week 10 Verses: Luke 24
The Delay
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?" John 11:5-8
Read: John 11:4-16 Listen: John 11
TODAY'S MESSAGE
Jesus decides to stay a few days where he is even after hearing Lazarus is ill. The delay certainly isn’t because Jesus doesn’t care. Jesus indicates this sickness and even Lazarus’s death will glorify God. Ultimately, Jesus decides to travel to Lazarus and the disciples have some reservations. Lazarus and his sisters live in Bethany, less than two miles from Jerusalem. Traveling to Bethany means risking a run-in with the people who wanted to stone and kill him last time he was there (John 11:8). If Jesus serves this family, it could be the death of him.
Jesus goes and raises Lazarus from the dead in public, in front of witnesses and in the Pharisees' backyard. Jesus risks his life for Lazarus and in doing so, signs his death warrant. Not long after this—Jesus is betrayed, arrested and crucified.
Reading the story of Jesus risking his life for Lazarus paints a picture of the heart of our Savior who gave his life for us. As Jesus loves Lazarus and came to rescue him—Jesus loves us and came to this world to rescue us. He gives his life to die in our place because he loves us. May we be ever grateful for his love and sacrifice for us.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider the similarities between what Jesus did for Lazarus and what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross. Pray a gratitude prayer to God and ask him to grow in you a thankful heart for all Jesus did for you on the cross.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God's word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
PHILIPPIANS 4:5b–7 The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
