We Stumble

As I am reading John chapter 11 something caught my eye. This is a great chapter where there is a friend of Jesus that’s sick, Lazarus. Just like our day when one of our loved ones are sick we want to get them help but not just any help, we want the best. If our loved one was sick and they just happened to be good friends with the top specialist in the world, we too would send word to him and expect him to come. Here’s where things change, how strong is the friendship? You see, because of a strong friendship a doctor might work with his friend on the day he heard. We read here that when Jesus is notified He doesn’t stop what He is doing.  

John 11:3 KJV  Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

Jesus says this  John 11:4 (KJV) When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Jesus knew the future they didn’t. Turn that in what you and I may have said would sound something like this. When Jesus heard He said “it isn’t no big deal Lazarus is going to be ok!”

In verse 6 we read that Jesus didn’t stop what He was doing. John 11:6 (KJV) When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

Ok Jesus it’s time to go to Your friend's home, Lazarus. Two things happen that’s of great importance. Jesus let’s Lazarus die and doesn’t even go to the funeral. By the time Jesus gets to is friends home he has already been in the grave 4 days. What kind of thoughts would I have had? Maybe something like this “with a friend like this who needs enemies?” Then on top of not rushing to Lazarus, Jesus takes time to teach His disciples something about faith.  

John 11:9 (KJV) Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

Is Jesus talking about walking in a well lit place? Maybe so but I think not because of the way it is written. “light of this world.”

In verse 10  John 11:10 (KJV) But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.  No light in him. That made me stop and think of what Jesus had already said.  John 8:12 (KJV) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

We stumble because we don’t have the light of Christ shining within us. Once again we are trying to do spiritual things without the spiritual teacher. When Jesus finally gets to the home of Martha and Mary He raises Lazarus from the dead. Great for Martha and Mary but how would you like to have been jerked out of heaven and brought back here? Remember the Bible said Lazarus was sick; well got to do that again Lazarus. Plus more hardships, disappointment, sadness you get the picture I’m sure. You see, if God answered everyone of our prayers it would not be good. Not wrong to pray but don’t get upset when prayers aren’t answered; you see our Heavenly Father knows best.