JESUS PRAYED IN THE GRAVEYARD

When he got sick, the sisters sent an urgent message: “Lord, the one you love is sick” (John 11:3). A few days later, when Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus was already dead. Martha said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died” (John 11:21). Moments later, when Mary came into view, she repeater her sister’s words. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died!” (John 11:32). It seems that they both believed that Jesus could’ve kept him alive, but neither trusted that Jesus could call Lazarus from the tomb. After all, he’d been dead for four days.

In sad procession, the family and friends walked to the quiet graveyard. Feeling their grief, understanding their pain, recognizing their helplessness, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35).

Everyone was shocked! “Say what?” “Remove the stone!” (John 11:39). “But… but… but… he’s been in there for four days. His body has begun to decay!” “He stinketh!” (John 11:39, KJV). Reluctantly, they obliged.

When the huge stone had been rolled aside, Jesus turned His gaze heavenward. “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me”(John 11:41–42, NLT). Jesus didn’t need to ask His Father for miraculous power. He prayed for their benefit… for our benefit. He wanted us to hear His faithful words. “You always hear!”

Jesus “shouted with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ ” (John 11:43).

He did!

Thank you, Lord. “You always hear!”

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).