God Uses Evil for Our Good

N.T.#749 "God Uses Evil for Our Good"

March 5, 2026 

John 11-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW 

Why should Jesus die? He was a great teacher and performed miracles. Apparently, when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, that was enough for the Jewish leaders. They couldn't let him continue to stray Jews to His group. 

What were the results of this miracle?

1. Many believed on Jesus. 
2. Some went back to Jerusalem to report this incident to the leaders.
3. The Sanhedrin became angry and were afraid that if people continued to follow Christ, the Romans would think the Jews were planning a rebellion and would take their leaders into captivity. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

So the Jewish leaders did not rejoice with Lazarus' family or the community. They worried about how Jesus' rising prominence would affect their power. Personal status and ambition can often blind people to truth, to God's work, and to the need for gratitude. (The Jeremiah Study Bible)

LET IT GROW 

Shall we take a look at Tony Evan's perspective on this situation:

*Caiaphas the high priest had a solution. It was better for 1 man to die than a whole nation. (verse 5)

* Actually, Caiaphas prophesied. He was thinking on the physical realm, but foretold a spiritual reality. Jesus would die for Israel. (verse 51) 

*Not only for Israel, but for the Gentiles, you and me, did Jesus die. So they plotted to kill Him. (verse 53) 

*What they planned for evil, God planned for good. (Gen. 50:20)

As a result, Jesus left this area and no more walked openly among the Jews. (verse 34) He and His disciples went to Ephriam. We know Jesus was eventually killed, yet no one took His life, for He willingly layed it down for you and me.

LET IT GO 

Thank You Jesus for providing salvation for us sinners; for taking our punishment for our sins.

Glory to God!

Coming Alive

N.T.#738 "Coming Alive"

March 4, 2926 

John 11-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

Take away the stone (from in front of Lazarus' burial tomb). But he stinks, (being dead 4 days). 

Jesus responded to Martha with this: Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God? (verse 40, NAS)

Jesus knew God sent Him to Lazarus' grave for this purpose-that they would believe God sent Him there. Jesus thanked God that He hears Jesus. 

What happened next?

• Lazarus come forth! (verse 43) Jesus cried with a loud voice. 
• The dead man came out of the tomb bound with hand and feet graveclothes, and his face wrapped with a cloth. (verse 44a He was all wrapped up.

The people saw the glory of God, believed Jesus was sent from God, and saw Lazarus raised from the dead. What a thing to witness!

When Jesus calls us to come, we come, right?

Lazarus became alive, through the power God gave Jesus.

Are we alive in Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Loose him and let him go. (verse 46b)

 Jesus gave those instructions. When we come to Jeus with our chains of sin on, He loosens them and they fall off. He sets the captives free!

Are you wrapped up in grave clothes? Does your life feeling like you are a walking dead person? Are you spiritually dead? Believe in Jesus turn to Him, repent of your sins, and He will raise you from the dead person you are. 

Jesus can let go of our old sinful self and give us a new one.

LET IT GO 

Help us let go of our unloving self and fill us with Your loving Spirit.

Jesus Loves Us

N.T.#747 "Jesus Loves Us"

March 3, 2026

John 11-Part 4 

LET IT GO 

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Martha had a bone to pick with Him. Her brother, Lazarus was dead after 4 days. She lost all hope. Jesus reassured her that her brother would rise again. Martha though Jesus was referring to the resurrection. 

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. (verse 25)

Jesus raises those who are dead in sin and gives them eternal life. Those who believe in Christ shall live. Did Martha believe this? Yes. In verse 27 Martha believes Thou art the Christ, the Son of God. 

Friend, who do you believe Jesus is?

LET IT GROW 

Martha went to Mary and told her Jesus was there. What happened at their encounter? Mary fell down at His feet, saying, Lord, it thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (verse 32)

Keep in mind that a group from Jerusalem was with M & M during this time, mourning with them, comforting them. Jesus groaned (angry) in His Spirit and was troubled. Probably the root cause of all this sorrow and grief-sin. 

He didn't give any explanation nor excuses. Jesus simply wanted to know where Lazarus was buried and He went there. Jesus groaned again and wad troubled (to shake with emotion). Jews were debating whether or not Jesus could have prevented Lazarus' death. They took Jesus there to the cave. When He saw the tears of Mary and her friends, what did Jesus do?

Jesus wept. (verse 35) 

We believe Jesus is fully God, but He is also fully human. Even though He knew He was about to perform the miracle, Jesus grieved with the pain and sorrow as well as the death-dealing effects of sin on those He loves. Our High Priest sympathizes with our weaknesses, for He had been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

The sisters could see how much Jesus loved Lazarus. (verse 36)

Dear ones, Jesus loves us so much. He sees our troubles and sorrows. He wants to comfort us. 

LET IT GO 

Seek Jesus, run to Him, fall on our knees at His feet.

Drop our problems at the feet of Jesus like Mary did.

Is It Too Late?

N.T.# 746 "Is It Too Late?"

March 2, 2026 

John 11-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW

If only Jesus had answered my prayers, my brother would be alive today. Yes I can relate to Martha. Last year my brother Larry passed away. He had a change of heart and our relationship was on a good note. Why did it take him so long? I wanted more years with him, but God had another plan. If only...

It's too late, for Lazarus is dead now. Jesus waited 2 days before going on His way to Bethany. The disciples decided to go with Him, for the Jews wanted to kill Jesus. By the time the guys arrived, this friend Lazarus had been in the tomb 4 days. Jesus knew all along what was going on and how He was going to handle this situation. It was so the disciples' faith would increase and they would witness this great miracle, as well as the power the Son of God has. 

What did Thomas tell the group of Jesus followers? "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."

How far are we willing to go with Jesus?

Will we deny ourself, take up our cross, and follow Jesus? (Matthew 16:24)

Are we putting others and Jesus before ourself, allowing Jesus to be Lord of all our life, and obeying Him and His Word?

 LET IT GROW 

Martha went out to meet Jesus. She and Mary went through a funeral, sorrowing greatly because they loved their brother. You can understand the situation. If only Jesus had arrived earlier, Lazarus would not have died. We can understand, can't we? Who hasn't lost a loved one? The grief can overwhelm us.

In verse 22, we hear Martha's faith in Jesus-But I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee. 

Martha expressed her disappointment when she told Jesus to listen to her, come right away and healed her brother, then we would all be sitting down to supper together today. 

Belief through disappointment can be a spiritual struggle becoming unbelief.

Have you been there?

LET IT GO 

Turn to Jesus when doubts arrives, when disappointment lingers, when the burdens become too heavy.

Trust Him, for He is Truth.

No Rush

N.T.#745 "No Rush"

Feb. 27, 2026 

John 11 

LET IT GLOW

Are you waiting for an answer to a prayer, a changed behavior of a loved one, a healing touch?

Are you familiar with the event of the resurrection of Lazarus? Let's see what we can learn from it.

What happened?

• Mary and Martha and Lazarus were siblings with whom Jesus would stay and visit in their home in Bethany. The four became close friends and loved each other. 
• The girls sent word to their friend Jesus that their brother was sick. They believed Jesus could heal Lazarus.
• Mary had previously anointed Jesus with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair-it was her brother that was sick.
• Jesus said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. (verse 4)
• Jesus did not rush to Bethany, but stayed where He was for 2 days.

Sometimes we have to trust Jesus for the timing and outcome. (There are times that sickness is not a result of sin or rebellion, but for God's glory. Believers should interpret circumstances by the love of Christ rather than trying to interpret Christ's love for the circumstances. (David Jeremiah)

LET IT GROW

The disciples reminded Jesus that the Jews had earlier wanted to stone Him. Going through Judea was risky. His limited time on earth could not be changed. A person who walks in the light of God's will cannot be harmed, but the person who does not stumbles.  (verses 9-10)

By the time the Lord got there, Lazarus had been in the tomb 4 days. Jesus was glad He was not there when Lazarus died. It is so the disciples would believe in Jesus as the Son of God, all-powerful. Seeing the miracle would increase the guy's faith. 

LET IT GO

Thank you Lord that life and death are in Your hands. 

We are going to pause there. LET IT GO

A Sheep in the Flock

N.T.#744 "A Sheep in the Flock"

Feb. 26,2026 

John 11 

LET IT GLOW 

If we are in the sheepfold of God, we should have His love, kindness, and goodness to show to others. Jesus described four qualities which we, as God's sheep should have:

1. Sensitivity to His leading. (10:27a) When we hear Jesus' voice, we know it is Him and we follow Him. 
2. We are eager to obey His commands. (10:27b)
3. We can be confident. (10:28) Eternal life in heaven is ours, as well as remaining in God's hands while here.
4. We are secure. (10:29) No matter how insensitive, disobedient, or fearful, our place in the flock is secure. It is Jesus who provided our salvation, not us, so He never turns us away. We may displease Him and fall into sin, but we are still His. Repentance makes our relationship with Him right.

Remain sensitive to His leading, obey the Lord, and rest in the confidence of Jesus' power to protect us from all evil.

[Resource: Swindoll's New Testament Insights on John]

LET IT GROW 

Are you a part of the Good Shepherd's flock? If not, admit to God you are a sinner, believe Jesus is God's Son and Savior. confess your sins. Ask Jesus to forgive you and be your Savior.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of our sinful lifestyle.

Jesus make a way for us in this wilderness.

You are so faithful. 

Will You Believe?

N.T.#734 "Will You Believe?"

Feb. 25, 2026

John 10-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

How long will you keep us in suspense? Are you the Christ/Messiah? Jesus had already told the previously that He is-6:35; 7:37-39; 8:23-25. The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus for what He said about Himself, His works, and unbelief. They were not His sheep, so we should expect nothing else. (verse 26)

As believers in Jesus, we hear our Savior's voice and we follow Him. 

What is the good news for us?

• We will never perish.
• We have eternal life. 
• No one can pluck us out of Jesus' hand. (verses 28,29)

What promises our Lord made to us! We are forever His! No doubt in the security of the believer. Jesus said it and I believe it. How about you?

LET IT GROW

I and my Father are one. (verse 30)

I am the Son of God. (verse 36)

The Jewish leaders had hard hearts, for they said Jesus blasphemed. However, many others believed in Jesus. And so it is today. Cults consider Jesus a good teacher or prophet, but not the Son of God. Therefore, they are not saved from the penalty of their sins. Their destiny is not heaven because of the lack of belief. Sad that so many are deceived.

Will you believe?

LET IT GO 

Only Jesus paid the price for me. Only His love can set me free. Nobody else can open heaven's door-just Jesus and nothing more.