Sun
Jun 15
1. THE FAMILY AT BETHANY
a. What disciples did Jesus have in the town of Bethany? John 11:5.
“[Christ’s] heart was knit by a strong bond of affection to the family at Bethany, and for one of them His most wonderful work was wrought.
“At the home of Lazarus, Jesus had often found rest. The Saviour had no home of His own; He was dependent on the hospitality of His friends and disciples, and often, when weary, thirsting for human fellowship, He had been glad to escape to this peaceful household, away from the suspicion and jealousy of the angry Pharisees. Here He found a sincere welcome, and pure, holy friendship. Here He could speak with simplicity and perfect freedom, knowing that His words would be understood and treasured.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 524.
b. In what type of home is God present with His choicest blessings? Proverbs 3:33 (last part).
“Our Saviour appreciated a quiet home and interested listeners. He longed for human tenderness, courtesy, and affection. Those who received the heavenly instruction He was always ready to impart were greatly blessed.”—Ibid.
Mon
Jun 16
2. LAZARUS BECOMES SICK
a. What action did the sisters of Lazarus take when their brother became seriously ill—and what was the response they received? John 11:1–4.
“Lazarus was stricken with sudden illness, and his sisters sent to the Saviour, saying, ‘Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick.’ They saw the violence of the disease that had seized their brother, but they knew that Christ had shown Himself able to heal all manner of diseases. They believed that He would sympathize with them in their distress; therefore they made no urgent demand for His immediate presence, but sent only the confiding message, ‘He whom Thou lovest is sick.’ They thought that He would immediately respond to their message, and be with them as soon as He could reach Bethany.
“Anxiously they waited for a word from Jesus. As long as the spark of life was yet alive in their brother, they prayed and watched for Jesus to come. But the messenger returned without Him. Yet he brought the message, ‘This sickness is not unto death,’ and they clung to the hope that Lazarus would live. Tenderly they tried to speak words of hope and encouragement to the almost unconscious sufferer.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 525, 526.
b. Describe Christ’s words and actions over the next few days. John 11:5–8.
“During the two days Christ seemed to have dismissed the message from His mind; for He did not speak of Lazarus. The disciples thought of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. They had wondered why Jesus, with the power to perform wonderful miracles, had permitted John to languish in prison, and to die a violent death. Possessing such power, why did not Christ save John’s life? This question had often been asked by the Pharisees, who presented it as an unanswerable argument against Christ’s claim to be the Son of God. The Saviour had warned His disciples of trials, losses, and persecution. Would He forsake them in trial? Some questioned if they had mistaken His mission. All were deeply troubled. . . .
“The disciples questioned why, if Jesus were going to Judea, He had waited two days. But anxiety for Christ and for themselves was now uppermost in their minds. They could see nothing but danger in the course He was about to pursue.”—Ibid., pp. 526, 527.
Tue
Jun 17
3. DISAPPOINTMENT TURNS TO HOPE
a. What timeless message can we glean from how Christ handled the complex sequence of events surrounding the illness of Lazarus? John 11:9, 10.
“Those who might have been colaborers with Christ, but who have spurned the messengers and their message, will lose their bearings. They will walk in darkness, knowing not at what they stumble. Such are ready to be deceived by the delusions of the last day. Their minds are preoccupied with minor interests, and they lose the blessed opportunity of yoking up with Christ, and being laborers together with God.”—Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 471.
b. What amazing revelation was Jesus giving to His disciples—yet how did they interpret His words? John 11:11, 12.
“ ‘These things said He: and after that He saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep.’ ‘Our friend Lazarus sleepeth.’ How touching the words! how full of sympathy! In the thought of the peril their Master was about to incur by going to Jerusalem, the disciples had almost forgotten the bereaved family at Bethany. But not so Christ. The disciples felt rebuked. They had been disappointed because Christ did not respond more promptly to the message. They had been tempted to think that He had not the tender love for Lazarus and his sisters that they had thought He had, or He would have hastened back with the messenger. But the words, ‘Our friend Lazarus sleepeth,’ awakened right feelings in their minds. They were convinced that Christ had not forgotten His suffering friends.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 527.
c. Explain what the words of Christ actually meant. John 11:13, 14.
“Christ represents death as a sleep to His believing children. Their life is hid with Christ in God, and until the last trump shall sound those who die will sleep in Him.”—Ibid.
Wed
Jun 18
4. WAITING, WAITING, WAITING
a. Why did Jesus stay away from Bethany even after knowing that Lazarus had died? John 11:15.
“The disciples marveled at Christ’s words when He said, ‘Lazarus is dead. And I am glad . . . that I was not there.’ Did the Saviour by His own choice avoid the home of His suffering friends? Apparently Mary and Martha and the dying Lazarus were left alone. But they were not alone. Christ beheld the whole scene, and after the death of Lazarus the bereaved sisters were upheld by His grace. Jesus witnessed the sorrow of their rent hearts, as their brother wrestled with his strong foe, death. He felt every pang of anguish, as He said to His disciples, ‘Lazarus is dead.’ But Christ had not only the loved ones at Bethany to think of; He had the training of His disciples to consider. They were to be His representatives to the world, that the Father’s blessing might embrace all. For their sake He permitted Lazarus to die. Had He restored him from illness to health, the miracle that is the most positive evidence of His divine character, would not have been performed.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 528.
b. What should we realize by the way the Great Healer allowed Lazarus, His friend, to be so ill and actually die? 1 Corinthians 15:17–19; Psalm 18:28.
“[Christ’s] work did not stop with an exhibition of His power over disease. He made each work of healing an occasion of implanting in the heart the divine principles of His love and benevolence.”—Counsels on Health, p. 249.
“Had Christ been in the sickroom, Lazarus would not have died; for Satan would have had no power over him. Death could not have aimed his dart at Lazarus in the presence of the Life-giver. Therefore Christ remained away. He suffered the enemy to exercise his power, that He might drive him back, a conquered foe. He permitted Lazarus to pass under the dominion of death; and the suffering sisters saw their brother laid in the grave. Christ knew that as they looked on the dead face of their brother their faith in their Redeemer would be severely tried. But He knew that because of the struggle through which they were now passing their faith would shine forth with far greater power. He suffered every pang of sorrow that they endured. He loved them no less because He tarried; but He knew that for them, for Lazarus, for Himself, and for His disciples, a victory was to be gained.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 528.
Thu
Jun 19
5. NOT ALWAYS AS WE EXPECT . . .
a. What must we always consider regarding the death of God’s faithful servants, regardless of how it occurs? Psalm 116:15. Name an example.
“It was not given Elisha to follow his master in a fiery chariot. Upon him the Lord permitted to come a lingering illness. During the long hours of human weakness and suffering his faith laid fast hold on the promises of God, and he beheld ever about him heavenly messengers of comfort and peace. . . . Faith had ripened into an abiding trust in his God, and when death called him he was ready to rest from his labors.”—Prophets and Kings, pp. 263, 264.
b. What events took place at Bethany before the arrival of Jesus—and who else was there when He came? John 11:17–19.
“In delaying to come to Lazarus, Christ had a purpose of mercy toward those who had not received Him. He tarried, that by raising Lazarus from the dead He might give to His stubborn, unbelieving people another evidence that He was indeed ‘the resurrection, and the life.’ He was loath to give up all hope of the people, the poor, wandering sheep of the house of Israel. His heart was breaking because of their impenitence. In His mercy He purposed to give them one more evidence that He was the Restorer, the One who alone could bring life and immortality to light. This was to be an evidence that the priests could not misinterpret. This was the reason of His delay in going to Bethany. This crowning miracle, the raising of Lazarus, was to set the seal of God on His work and on His claim to divinity.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 529.
Fri
Jun 20
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Who were the members of Lazarus’ family?
2. Why didn’t Jesus immediately comply with the request of His friends?
3. What was the disciples’ reaction to Christ’s attitude?
4. How should death be regarded by the believers in Christ?
5. For what purpose did Christ allow Lazarus to die?