A Man Named Lazarus - John 11:1

John the apostle wrote how Jesus, “went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spoke of this man were true. And many believed on him there”, and in chapter eleven and verse one of his book John shared how, “a certain man was sick, named Lazarus” where we read:

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

The verse reads, “Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, …” John began with the words, “now a certain man” which means “moreover a particular male human being” “was sick” or “was weak, feeble, without strength and powerless”, “named Lazarus” which means “who was called Lazarus which means whom God helps”. John shared how there was a particular “man” whose name was “Lazarus” who was very ill.

The verse continues, “... of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.” John added the words, “of Bethany” which means “from the town of Bethany which means house of dates or house of misery”, “the town of Mary” or “this was the dwelling place, abode and village on the east bank of the Jordan where John was baptizing that belonged to Mary whose name means their rebellion” “and her sister Martha” which means “and Mary's female sibling whose name was Martha which means she was rebellious”. John shared how “Lazarus” was from the “village” of “Bethany”, and he had two sisters named “Mary and Martha” who lived there with him.

When we consider John's words in this verse, we discover that “Lazarus” was from the “village” of “Bethany” where he lived with his two sisters “Mary and Martha”. This location and these women will be instrumental in the remainder of this story, and we shall learn how important they are. Jesus was well-known to this family, and He will minister to them in a way that was significant. His service to them will show His love and care for people in their troubles, and Jesus will demonstrate how He has power over death. He came to the world to die for the sins of every person, and because He died on the cross and rose from the dead three days later, everyone who believes and trusts in Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and inherit everlasting life with God. Let all who read these words carefully study this story and believe.

Next time John shares how, “it was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".