Our Daily Devotion for Wednesday, November 25th, 2020

17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was a little less than two miles from Jerusalem. 19 Many Jews had come to comfort Martha and Mary after their brother’s death. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, while Mary remained in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22 Even now I know that whatever you ask God, God will give you.”23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”24 Martha replied, “I know that he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.”25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die.        John 11:17-25
 
Today’s reading from John’s Gospel ( only a portion is printed here…) is a telling of what is arguably Jesus’ most dramatic miracle, or “sign” as John would call them – raising Lazarus from the dead. These signs are visible proof that Jesus is God, in the flesh. Before returning to this area, Jesus had a couple of run-ins with the High Priests , then left the area where their influence was not strong. Jesus was close to Lazarus, and his passing motivated Jesus to return. After the raising is witnessed, this brought about a renewed commitment from the High Priests to see to it that Jesus must die.
 
Let us pray – Great and Powerful one, we thank you for the love you showed to all of us when you brought Your Son into this world. You did not want to condemn it ; No, You showed for all to see just how much You do love us – even though mankind is of a sinful nature, Christ bore all of the sins upon Himself, and died on the cross. For those who believe, death is forever vanquished, salvation can be ours !!  Praise Your Holy Name, and praise to Jesus, in whose Name we pray.  Amen.
 
Yours in Christ  ,  Rollie

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