Where God Guides, He Provides -1/8/2023

Jan 8, 2023

John, chapter 11 starts by introducing us to a man named Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha. In the first six verses, we learn that Lazarus is very sick, and this family is very special to Jesus. Lazarus is Jesus' friend, and Jesus loves him very much. So naturally, Mary and Martha send word to Jesus, knowing without a doubt that Jesus will come to heal Lazarus. Yet, Jesus delays in departing. Perhaps this is because He knew that by the time the messenger brought word, Lazarus was already dead. Regardless, Jesus sent the messenger away with the news that Lazarus' sickness would not end in death.

Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived in the town of Bethany. Bethany was a small town in the region called "Judea," only two miles east of Jerusalem. Jesus had left Jerusalem about two to three months earlier and had been ministering by the Jordan River. He left after there was yet again another attempt on His life. Going to Bethany was risky. It was dangerous, not just for Jesus but also for His disciples. Yet, Jesus would go. Jesus knew that God was directing Him to go, and because of that, He would be safe. Jesus deeply understood and was trying to teach His disciples that where God guides, He provides.