This week we have two main themes. The first is the account of Lazarus being raised from the dead. In this narrative we hear another “I am” statement as Jesus declares that He is the resurrection and the life and then proves it by raising Lazarus from the grave. In this account the main point is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. However, another point to ponder is found in the opening few verses of the text. When Jesus is told of Lazarus’ sickness He waits for two more days and then, when they get up to leave, He tells them that Lazarus is already dead.

Why? Why did Jesus allow this suffering and pain to come to a family He dearly loved? The answer to that difficult question is revealed to us when Jesus arrives in Bethany and uses the situation as a witness to the world of God’s power and love. Sometimes God allows bad or painful things into our lives to teach us certain lessons, to help us make a witness to others or a myriad of other important reasons. He knows He can make all things work together for good to those who love Him.

These verses encourage us to trust in the Savior, even when we don’t see the reasoning for the pain. By faith and the Holy Spirit's power, we can believe our loving Father will use this trial for our benefit or the blessing of others.

The second half of the week focuses on Jesus as He reaches out for the lost. In these readings we see that Jesus didn’t come for those who think they have it all together. He came for those who have made a mess of things,…otherwise known as… each and every one of us. Jesus wanted those sitting at His feet and those of us who would be listening in the future, to know that there is no sin so bad, no pain so deep, that Jesus cannot save you. We are the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son, and just as each one of them was found by someone desperately searching for it, we too have a Savior who is desperately searching for us.