When Jesus Was Ready

Scripture: John 11:1-46

Song: In His Time

When Jesus learned of Lazarus’ illness, He might have hurried to Bethany. The sisters, Martha and Mary, sent to Jesus, but Jesus waited. Lazarus was undoubtedly uncomfortable as most sick folks are, but Jesus waited. He had His own purposes in mind. Had Jesus hastened to Lazarus’ side, He would surely have saved him from death, the sisters from anguish, the family from the expense of the burial and the wake. Jesus waited… two days longer He waited and Lazarus died.

Jesus’ plan to go to Bethany shocked the disciples. The Jews were looking to stone Jesus and Lazarus was now dead. What would the trip accomplish? Both Martha and Mary questioned His delay in coming. Nobody seemed pleased with His timing—either His delay or His arrival.

The order to roll back the stone from Lazarus’ tomb, shocked observers even more. If Jesus had only come earlier! But now the corpse will have begun to decay having been in the tomb four days. “Remove the stone,” said Jesus.

We don’t understand Jesus’ timing always. We don’t comprehend His delay while we or others suffer. But we don’t have to understand because He knows His reasons. “Lazarus, come forth,” Jesus said. And Lazarus did… when Jesus was ready. Remember His timing is a lot better than ours.

Jason Moore