Molly’s Minute: When Jesus Waited

In John chapter 11, Jesus hears that his friend, Lazarus, is sick. 

Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, ask Jesus to come right away to heal their brother.

But He doesn’t.

Jesus waits two days to go see Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. And when He arrives at their house, Lazarus has already passed away.

Why would Jesus do that? Why wouldn’t He go right away to heal Lazarus? Why did He let Lazarus die?

Well, verse five tells us:

Because He loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Jesus didn’t give Mary and Martha what they asked for. He didn’t heal Lazarus. But that was because He loved them and wanted them to see an even greater miracle: 

Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.

So, if you’re Mary and Martha today—if you’re feeling God saying “no” or telling you to wait—don’t lose hope. 

Because He loves you. And it might just be that He has something even greater in mind for you.

John 11:5-6 “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days…”