Jesus' Delay Isn't His Denial

Have you ever been denied? Maybe by your crush or on the basketball court. No matter where it is, no one likes to get denied. Nobody enjoys denial.
 
This is the first of four post on John 11. So, if you haven’t read John 11 before or recently, pick up a Bible and spend some time there and come back later.
 
Lazarus becomes very ill at the beginning of this chapter. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send for his good friend Jesus to come and be with them.
 
When Jesus hears of Lazarus he says, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”[1]
 
The Bible then clearly states that “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”[2] So wouldn’t you think He would immediately go to see them?
 
Jesus does something different. Jesus does what is best.
 
“He [Jesus] stayed two days longer in the place where he was.”[3] The way this is written, it indicates Jesus had plans to leave but decided to stay longer.
 
I’m sure Mary and Martha felt denied. Their good friend Jesus, who loved them and Lazarus, decided to delay His coming to them.
 
We know the end of the story. Jesus’ delay isn’t His denial.
 
Let me say that again, Jesus’ delay isn’t His denial.
Jesus is all knowing. He is all powerful. He is the author of time. This means His delay isn’t His denial.
 
He knew the best way to bring glory and honor to His Father. He knew what was best for Lazarus, even though I’m sure Lazarus felt denied. He knew what was best for Martha and Mary, even though they felt denied.
 
You may be feeling denied right now.
 
You’ve been praying the same thing for years now and it hasn’t been answered. You’re feeling denied. You’re feeling rejected. You’re feeling like Jesus doesn’t see you and where you are.
 
That is not true. Jesus just knows the best way to take care of you.
 
So, no matter where you are remember, His delay isn’t His denial.


[1] John 11:4 ESV
[2] John 11:5 ESV
[3] John 11:6b ESV
Photo by: @cliffphotographs