Let Us Stand In For Others
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | June 6, 2024 | John 11:1-3
KEY VERSE:
¹ Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. ³ Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” John 11:1&3 (NKJV)
MESSAGE:
A brother is sick and his sisters go to Jesus on his behalf. Standing on behalf of others appears as a motif, a recurring theme in John's Gospel. Let us please use this maiden piece to remind ourselves of this for as Peter said, reminders have great benefits (2 Peter 3:1)
First and foremost is Christ coming on behalf of the sinful world - John 1:14. Secondly, the mother of Jesus helping to avert an embarrassing wedding reception - John 2:1-14. Thirdly we have the Samaritan Woman leaving her water jar to share the good news with others - John 4:28. Fourthly, John 4:46-54 gives us a father seeking healing for a sick son. Finally, in John 6:1-14, a boy's five loaves of bread and two fish are sacrificed to feed five thousand very hungry people.
Let us contrast the instances mentioned above with John 5:1-9, where a man stayed by the pool for 35 years because he never had a helper. It is instructive to add that the man was ultimately healed by the Lord Jesus.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Jesus wants us to follow His supreme example by extending helping hands to others. In our case, we must present people and their needs to the Lord Jesus. It may entail some inconveniences and costs but remember Christ paid the Supreme Price
PRAYER:
Lord help us see the needs of others and give us the willingness to help.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: The word"sick" in John 11:1 is derived from the Greek word "ἀσθενῶν" (asthenōn). This word conveys a state of weakness or illness, indicating a condition that requires attention and care. In this context, the term "ἀσθενῶν" specifically refers to Lazarus's physical condition, indicating that he was gravely ill. The narrative sets the stage for one of Jesus' most profound miracles, the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This passage highlights the severity of Lazarus's illness, for which reason the sisters reached out to Jesus for his intervention.
The use of "ἀσθενῶν" in John 11:1 brings to light the human condition of frailty and the need for divine intervention. It emphasizes that sickness and weakness are part of the human experience, and it is in these moments of vulnerability that the power and compassion of Jesus are most profoundly revealed. Reflections:
Reflect on how you respond to times of illness or weakness in your own life. Do you see these moments as opportunities to experience Jesus' healing power and compassion? Consider how you can turn to Jesus, the ultimate healer, in your times of need (as Lazarus' sisters did).
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