Let Jesus Wash You

 N.T.#761 "Let Jesus Wash Your Soul"

March 24, 2026

John 13-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW

We left Jesus on His knees washing the feet of the disciples. When it was Peter's turn for Jesus to wash his feet, Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, do You wash my feet?" 

In other words, Peter told Jesus "You will never wash my feet." But unless Jesus washed Peter's feet, he could have no fellowship with Him. (verse 8) 

"Forget the feet, give me a shower!" that was in essence how Peter replied. Peter was willing to do anything to show he didn't want to be disconnected from Jesus. (Tony Evans)

Really, Peter?

LET IT GROW 

If one has bathed already, then they only needed to wash their feet. Our feet get dirty from walking in the world, and so does our mind and soul. If we are already saved, then we don't need to get saved again. We need to address the dirty areas (sins) in our life so we can stay clean before the Lord. To maintain fellowship with the Lord, we must regularly come to Jesus in confession and repentance. (Tony Evans)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9)

Has our pride and ego died yet? 

Do we confess our sins daily to Jesus?

LET IT GO

Are there any sins we need to repent of and turn from them, and turn to Jesus?

Grace and mercy and love and peace await for us.

Are You a Humble Servant?

N.T.#760  "Are You a Humble Servant?"

March 23, 2026 

John 13-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

Jesus had spent 3 years teaching, leading, praying for, and loving His disciples. Here we see the Christ as a servant. It was custom for a servant to be greeting visitors at the door of a host. The servant would remove the guest's sandals, rinse each foot with water, wipe off the dirt with a clean towel. 

Jesus is in the Upper Room expressing His love to those closest to Him, the disciples. John gives an overview, not a lot of details. Here is what He did:

• After eating His last supper with the guys, Jesus riseth from the supper table (a low table).
• He laid aside His garment, 
• Jesus took a towel and girded Himself. He pulled His tunic up in a belt so Jesus would not trip on it.
• Jesus poured water into the bason.
• He began to wash the disciples' feet, then wiped them with a towel.

If anyone deserved their feet washed, it was King Jesus, but no one did it for Him. He was the one which should have had this kind of service and devotion shown to Him. It was not so. Jesus washed all 24 feet, down on His knees.  Even Judas got his feet washed-the betrayer.

LET IT GROW 

Do we ask the Lord Jesus to remove the dirt and grime of sin in our heart?

Are we willing to be a servant for Jesus?  

Do we bend down and help those who can't return it?

If we receive grace and mercy, shouldn't we share it with others?

LET IT GO 

Lord, I do things I shouldn't and don't do things I should do.

I am a sinner in need of a Savior's love today.

Hold me in Your arms.

Help me bend down and serve others, then lift me up in Your arms.

To You be the glory.

Are You Serving Today?

 N.T.#759 "Are You Serving Today?"

March 20, 2026 

John 13

LET IT GLOW

Jesus moved from His public ministry to private ministry with those who had received Him-the disciples. the cross was only a day away. 

These last 5 chapters focus on Jesus' love for His own and His desire to communicate that love so that it would never be forgotten after His return to heaven. (David Jeremiah)

Jesus knew:

•  His hour of departure out of this world had come. He was making the best of His time left, instructing and showing the disciples about love. (verse 1a)
• He loved His own which were in the world. (verse 1b)
• He loved them unto the end. (verse 1c)
• Even though His beloved disciples would abandon Him, one of them would betray Him, Jesus loved them to the end.
• The Father had given all things into Jesus' hands. (verse 3a)
• He had come from God and went to God. (verse 3b)

Do we know those things as well?

LET IT GROW

With all of that in mind, we see the Lord's humility as He bent down and washed the disciples' feet at His Last Supper. (verse 4) It was custom that the servant do so, it they none present, so Jesus picked up the water bason and towel and proceeded to do it. This removed the dust from their feet. 

How do we serve others? Are we bending down and helping those who can't return or pay us back? Are we showing Jesus' love?

LET IT GO

Such humility and love, Jesus, you show to us.

May we serve You while serving others today.

Do You Believe inn Jesus?

N.T.#758 

March 19, 2026 "Do You Believe in Jesus?"

John 12-Part 9

LET IT GLOW 

Last year I taught a young children's class. It thrilled me when one of the boys quoted me John 3:16. Have you had that experience? Ever wonder what God is like? How can we know an invisible Creator? Jesus made it clear that those who saw Him saw God, because He is God. We can find out what God is like by studying His Word. Jesus is the only way to heaven, for He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. (John 14:6)

Why did Jesus come into the world?

What are some teachings Jesus which He gave in the rest of this chapter?

• Believe on Jesus means we are believing on God who sent Him. (verse 44, 46)
• Jesus came as a light into the world. (verse 46)
• Jesus came to save the world, not judge it. (verse 47)
• By rejecting Jesus and His sayings has god to judge him. (verse 48)
• God told Jesus what to say, to speak, and His commandment. (verse 49)
• God's commandment is eternal life/life everlasting. (verse 50)
• 
  

We can't live any way we please, in sin, without being accountable to Jesus.

Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth by showing and providing the way to salvation and eternal life.

 

LET IT GROW

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Are we teaching this verse to our children and grandchildren? We should for they can have heaven forever by believing in Jesus. Who else will tell them?

LET IT GO 

Thank You God our Father and Jesus our Savior for providing eternal life with You.

Such amazing love that You would die an horrible death for us.

Who is the Son of Man?

N.T.#757 "Who is the Son of Man?"

March 18, 2026 

John 12-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW

Who is this Son of man? He must be lifted up?

The Jews thought:

•  surely their Messiah would not die on a cross.
• They were expecting the Christ to reign forever.(verse 34) (Eventually He would, but not right now.) 
• They were walking in darkness spiritually. 

What about us?

LET IT GROW 

Jesus told the Jews to believe in the light, receive the light, walk in the light, for the Light would soon be removed. Although Jesus had done so many miracles before them, the Jews did not believe Him to be the Messiah. They rejected the Lord Jesus in spite of what they heard and saw. Their eyes became blind to the truth and their heart hardened because of their unbelief. (verse 40)

Many leaders believed on Jesus but were unwilling to confess Him for fear of the Pharisees putting them out of the synagogue. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.  (verses 42-43)

LET IT GO 

May all who read this believe You are the Christ, the Son of God and Son of man, the Messiah.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Lifted Up

N.T.#757 "Lifted Up"

March 17, 2026 

John 12-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW 

The Father answered from heaven that His name had been glorified (through the obedient ministry of His Son), and it will be glorified again (through the death, burial and resurrection of the Son). (verse 28) (Falwell)

The people thought it was an angel that spoke to Jesus. They were to recognize that Christ was God. It was for the people to recognize Christ as God. Christ is referring to His judgement of sin through His death, and His defeat of Satan. (verse 30-31)

LET IT GROW

Christ will draw people to Himself through the cross. He would die on a cross lifted up. 

Are we lifting up Jesus in our life? 

LET IT GO

Praise be to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. 

Are You Troubled?

N.T.#755  "Are You Troubled?"

March 16, 2026 

John 12-Part 6 

Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. (verse 27)

LET IT GLOW 

Friend, are you troubled today? Take courage, Jesus was, also. 

Not only is the principle of death applicable to Jesus, but to His followers, also.  Are we willing to loose our life in service to Jesus, our Lord? Are we willing to loose whatever so we witness for Him? (John MacArthur) 

Then Jesus admitted something. What was it? His soul was troubled, which means to stir or agitate (roil or disturb water).

The term used here is strong and signifies horror, anxiety, and agitation Jesus' contemplation of taking on the wrath of God for the sins of everyone who would believe caused revulsion in the sinless Savior. (MacArthur)

Can you see Jesus in His full humanity? His soul was troubled, not because He wavered in His purpose but because He knew the suffering He would endure. In bearing the sins of the world, not only would He experience physical torture, but He would be separated from the Father. Nevertheless, Jesus was "obedient" to the point of death. (Phil. 2:8) (David Jeremiah)

Wow! That is deep, isn't it? Can we see the love dripping from the heart of Jesus, even before He went to the cross with nails in His hands and feet? How can we but love and serve Him!

LET IT GROW 

It's like a person who knows they have to have surgery, but dreads it, does not want to go through the pain of it. So it was with Christ. He knew what was ahead for Him as He carried out God's purpose for His life. Jesus knew the suffering that would be required in order to save His people for their sins. Yet, He asked to be saved from it. Jesus came to suffer and die for sinners is why Jesus came. (verse 27)

Let's take a closer look here:

• Jesus was committed to doing the will of God.
• He wanted to glorify God.
• God audibly told Jesus , I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. (verse 28)
• And God had been glorified when Jesus performed miraculous signs.
• The ultimate glorification was coming in the cross and resurrection. (Tony Evans)

How are we glorifying God in our life? Who are we serving-self or Jesus?

LET IT GO 

Glory, honor, praise be to God the Holy Father and Christ Jesus the Son!!

May we fulfill our purpose you have for each of our lives.

Who Are We Serving?

 N.T.#754 "Who Are We Serving?"

March 13, 2026 

John 12-Part 5 

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me: and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. (verse 26)

LET IT GLOW

Are we pursuing the worldly and materialistic ways of this life? If so, then we will miss what God wants us to have in the spiritual realm. The natural outflow of a spiritual life is serving and following Christ. (David Jeremiah)

If your life is all about you and finding yourself, you will not find the "you" that you're looking for. To hate your life means not living in a self-centered way but being a servant of others. The one who lives a life of service in the name of the Lord Jesus will be rewarded in this life and in the life to come. To serve the King, we must follow the King. If He serves, we must serve. (Mark 10:45) 

The first responsibility of a follower of Christ is to His people. We are to love those whom He loves and gave Himself for. And if we love and serve sacrificially, the Father promises to honor us with a reward-some of which may come in this life, though most will come in eternity. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW 

Are we willing to die if doing so will glorify God?

LET IT GO

May we serve Jesus with a heart given to Him.

Die and Reap a Harvest

N.T.#753 "Die and Reap a Harvest" 

March 12, 2026 

John 12-Part 4

 LET IT GLOW 

When a grin of wheat dies (buried in the ground), it sprouts up nd produces many seeds, fruit. So it is with believers who die to a self-centered life, they experience joy and become fruitful for the kingdom of God. When we do so, we give Jesus control of our lives and we produce fruit from His Spirit. Is that you and me?

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (verse 25, KJV)

He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal. (NAS)

These verses use two different words for life in the Greek language. The first two times it appears in this verse uses the word psuche, which refers to one's present existence in this world and exercise of the mind, desires, and will. The third use refers to spiritual life everlasting. 

He owh love his psuche (life now) will lose it, and he who hates his psucche will keep it for zoe. To pursue a psuche life with a materialistic philosophy will cause a person to miss what God wants him or her to have in the spiritual realm. The natural outflow of a zoe life is serving and following Christ.

[Resource: The Jeremiah Study Bible]

Do you want to miss out on what God has for your life by living in the flesh, worldly ways, focused on self? Or do you want to live the extraordinary Christian life with blessings overflowing? Ouch!

I'm not saying this is easy. It is a difficult thing to do, but what a harvest we can reap when we follow Jesus and obey His Word.

LET IT GROW 

What can we glean from those sown seeds?

Seeds which are not sown are alone. The seeds which are sown, die, and in so doing bring forth a harvest. Christ used this to illustrate His death, which will produce a rich spiritual harvest. ((Liberty Bible Commentary)

And Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24)

There is our challenge for today, folks. When we die to self and our desires, surrender it all to Jesus, He will bring forth spiritual fruit in our life. Are we willing?

LET T GO 

Change our mind, desires, and will, Father God.

May we surrender our self as a living sacrifice. 

May it be acceptable in Your sight, Lord.

Do You Want to See Jesus?

N.T.#752 "Do You Want to See Jesus?"

March 11, 2026 

John 12-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus came into Jerusalem riding not on a king's decorated horse, but humbly on a donkey never ridden before. His people laid down palm branches and clothing, shouting "Hosanna!" It means save us. They believed the Messiah had come on His triumphal entry. No longer was Jesus a visiting worshiper, but claimed to be their King. 

As a result, the loyalty of people shifted away from the Pharisees and onto Jesus. (verse 19) There were some Greeks that came to worship at the feast. Some Greeks had become Jewish faith. They may have gone to Philip because he was a Jew and he had a Jewish a Greek name. 

They asked to see Jesus when they approached Philip:

Sir, we would see Jesus. (verse 21)

It would have been something for the group of Greeks to say they had seen and had some conversation with Jesus. Do we feel our conversations with Jesus is valued? 

Do we speak to Jesus throughout our day? 

LET IT GROW 

The hour had come when the Son of man should be glorified. (verse 23)

What a picture of the necessary sacrifice Jesus was about to make for all people. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it will produce a great crop. Also, it yields many more seeds. 

Jesus used that event to show He must die for the penalty of our sins so we don't have to pay it. He has power over death and gives eternal life to believers in Him. Jesus is our substitutionary atonement for sinners like you and me. 

Have you trusted in Jesus for your eternal life?

LET IT GO

Oh what a Savior!

Isn't He wonderful!

Sing His praises today.

Thank You Jesus for enduring so much for us sinners.

The King is Coming!

N.T.#752 " The King is Coming!"

March 10, 2026

John 12-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW 

What extravagant gift have we given Jesus lately?

Mary poured extravagant perfumed oil upon Jesus' feet and wiped it with her hair. What ans expression of her complete love and devotion for the Savior. She anticipated His death. 

Lazarus had become a phenomenon since Christ raised him from the dead. He was on the religious leaders' hit list along with Jesus. It was because so many had believed in Christ after observing what He had done for Lazarus.

The next day folks heard Jesus was in town for the feast. What did they do? 

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. (verse 13)

Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem, as predicted by Zechariah 9:9, He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Messiah and Savior, the Son of the Living God. do you know Him today, my friend? Do your family and friends know Jesus as their Savior? He is coming again to reign as King on the earth. Are you ready

LET IT GROW 

The disciples did not understand these things until after the ascension of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit, who called these things to remembrance.  (verses 16; 14:26)

Are there things Jesus has done in your l life? Have you praised Him for it?

LET IT GO

                               ... and praise the Lord Jesus for all He has done for you.

                               ... of pride and share that He is your Savior.

An Extravagant Gift

N.T.#751 "An Extravagant Gift"

March 9, 2026 

John 12 

LET IT GLOW 

There are 4 parts to this chapter:

1. The anointing of Jesus (verses 1-11)
2. The Triumphal Entry (verses 12-19)
3. The Greeks seek Christ (verses 20-36)
4. The Jews reject Christ (verses 37-50)

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

The setting was 6 days before Passover, in Bethany, at the house of Simon the healed leper. Maybe it was a Saturday evening. Martha was serving a meal designed to thank the Lord for what He had done for Lazarus and Simon. (verses 1-2) Lazarus was dining with his friends and sister. 

What did sister Mary bring with her? 

She brought an expensive gift for Jesus-a pound of perfumed oil in an alabaster box. It was a very costly perfume imported from India. It was worth a year's wages for a worker then. Picture the Lord and disciples were reclining at a table, feet extended away from it, making it possible for Mary to easily anoint Jesus' feet. 

What did Mary do with her gift? 

She anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair.

Why would she do this? 

It was an act of love and devotion to the Lord. She had such a grateful heart to the Lord for giving her brother Lazarus a new live, raising his from the dead. Do you feel Mary's humble devotion and love for her Lord Jesus?

The first step in preparing a body for burial was to rinse with water and anoint with perfumed oil. Mary illustrated this for what was ahead for Jesus.

Matthew Henry describes Mary's love as generous, condescending, and believing love. Her faith in Jesus as Messiah, the Christ, and the Anointed One. It was her act of worship to her Lord.

What compassion and gratitude we feel in this room. 

Other Scriptures recording this event is found in Matthew 26 and Mark 14.

LET IT GROW 

Simon's house was filled with this expensive perfumed oil. Yet, some did not appreciate such an extravagant sacrifice for Jesus. Ole Mr. Money Bag, Judas suggested the oil could have been sold for money to give the poor. Really? He wasn't concerned about the poor. He had been sealing form the money-bag for some time. Adding 300 denarii into the piggy bank would have provided more cash in Judas' pocket. To Judas it was a waste, but to Mary it was worship. What a contrast of hearts.

Jesus stood up for Mary. Her act of love was done as an anointing for the death of Christ. They didn't always have Christ with them, for He was soon going to die for such people as Judas.

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  (Ephesians 5:2)

In the Greek, sweetsmelling refers to a fragrance; savour is a lawyer.

Do we pour on Jesus love overflowing, giving Him our heart and serving Him with our best?

LET IT GO 

Help us give what costs us as a sacrifice to You, Precious Jesus.

May Your love overflow through us to others today.

The Plot Thickens

N.T.# 750 "The Plot Thickens"

March 6, 2026 

John 11-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW

Jesus must die so Israel could live? The religious leaders were afraid of the Romans, who ruled their government. Better for one man to die as a traitor than everyone die. That was their thinking. Caiaphas determined Jesus must die so that the nation will live. Little did he realize that was so. The Sanhedrin formally decided to kill Christ. Knowing this plan, Christ removed Himself from the public view. (verses 53-54) The leaders made it clear that anyone who saw Christ should report it, that they might take him. (verse 57)

LET IT GROW 

Would Jesus show up for the Passover Feast around the city of Jerusalem.? There were informants throughout the city of Jerusalem. Boy, would He ever make an entrance! You just wait, Jews, the King of kings is coming to you.

Is Jesus coming to you, dear one? 

LET IT GO 

Let go of fear and trust our Heavenly Father.

Surrender to His will.

Listen to His Spirit and enjoy His presence.

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.