Daily Dose of the Word of God - John 11

Kara Hackert, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Transcript

Kara Hackert 0:07 

 
Welcome to Elmhurst CRC's Daily Dose of the Word of God. It's Tuesday, March 4. I'm Kara Hackert and this morning I'll be reading to you the first half of John 11 from the Children's Bible in 365, stories. It's entitled, "Your Friend is ill."

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One day, Lazarus became ill. As he grew worse and worse, Martha and Mary, his sisters were beside themselves with worry. The doctor could do nothing to help him, and shook his head sadly. "Jesus could make him better," Mary said. "Yes, let's send a message for him to come and help," Martha suggested.Jesus was in the north of the country, once more, out of the way of the rulers in Judea - who had tried to stone him - but someone in the village would go for him. "Tell Jesus that his dear friend is ill," the sisters instructed the messenger. Jesus was very fond of Lazarus and of Mary and Martha too. The disciples could see the concern on his face when he heard the bad news, but he told them, "Death will not be the end for Lazarus. This illness is going to bring glory to God and to his son." Then, to their surprise, he went on with his work of healing and teaching just where they were. It was two whole days later when Jesus said, "we're going to Bethany now." "I'll be dangerous," one of them reminded him. "Remember what happened the last time we went to Judea!" "If the master is prepared to risk death, then we'll stick by him and die too if need be," Thomas said, bravely. On the way, Jesus said, "Lazarus has fallen asleep." "Oh, that's a good sign," they replied. "It must mean he's going to get better!" But Jesus explained, "When I said that he's asleep, I mean that he has died. Death is like a sleep, and I'm going to wake him up.I'm glad about the delay for your sakes. What I'm going to do will help you all believe in me." None of them quite understood what Jesus meant or what you would do when they arrived in Bethany.They would have to wait a little while longer to find out. You'll hear the rest of the story on Thursday.

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Let's pray together. Dear Jesus, you are with us in our sadness and worry. Help us to always remember and help us to feel your love and comfort. Please strengthen us and remind us to always trust in your plan. To you be allthe glory, Amen.