Day 302 – John 11

Talking Points

• Instead of laying out some mysterious puzzle as to His identity, we see Jesus was glad, even eager, to confirm that He is the Messiah sent from God. Early in John’s account of Lazarus, Jesus said, “and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe” (John 11:15). Later, He prayed aloud, “so that they may believe that You sent Me” (11:42). Jesus wanted people to be certain that He is “the Christ, the Son of God” (11:27).
• Sometimes, Thomas is painted in an inaccurate, if not unfair light, forever remembered as “doubting Thomas.” In actuality, he was a bold, committed disciple of Jesus. Here, as Jesus planned to return to an area where the Jews were seeking to stone Him, and as other disciples made excuses, Thomas rallied them together saying, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him” (11:16). How about “daring Thomas”?
• In verses 25-27, there is a beautiful synopsis of the gospel. Jesus is the way to life; He even is the life. That life is found through faith alone. The word “believe” is used four times. And, what must be believed? Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world” (11:27).
• Notice it was the good in Jesus and the truth of Jesus that provoked the evil response of men. They couldn’t stand who He was. His actions and teaching stood to condemn their wicked hearts. His goodness revealed their corrupt, self-serving system, threatening their way of life. And, so, they sought His destruction.

Thoughts

Jesus had friends!

Don’t you love the fact that the more we learn about Jesus, the more there is to admire. More to love. This is one of those times. Reading John 11, we see our Savior had friends — true friends. There were people He sought out and spent time with. He enjoyed their company, laughing and talking at their tables. He wept with them and for them. Jesus had friends He loved. What a picture! It makes me smile to imagine. Jesus and His friends.

And, then, it gets even better.

Jesus calls us friends. He tells us He loves us and wants to spend time with us. At His own cost, He made provision for us to spend eternity with Him, as friends. As hard as it is to believe, we have a friend in Jesus. Wow.

My friend Jesus.