CENTRAL THOUGHT

A true friend is one who shares with one’s joy/sorrow and helps to find solutions in the time of trouble.

HYMN: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

TEXT: Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-12

INTRODUCTION

The dictionary defines a friend as someone who trusts, an associate or acquaintance; a friend accepts you just the way you are. Bethany was a village near Jerusalem; the residence of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus who were close friends of Jesus.

The Lord Jesus usually stayed with them whenever He visited that region (Matt. 21:17). When Lazarus died, Jesus visited His friends Mary and Martha and brought him back to life.

In this study, we shall see how to get our priorities right and appreciate that Christ is indeed a friend, who stays when all others are gone.

LESSON OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are:

1.) To appreciate the relationship between Jesus and the family of Lazarus.

2.) To consider how important hospitality is in the Christian life.

3.) To learn that whatever life challenges we face, Jesus is able to bring the solution.

BIBLE TRUTH

Q1A) READ LUKE 10:40. WHY WAS MARTHA UPSET WITH MARY?

Martha was upset with Mary because she did not join her to prepare food for Jesus when He visited them. Martha requested that Jesus should tell Mary to help her serve, because she thought that physical service would please and draw Christ’s attention to her. She felt that Mary was not hospitable enough especially to a very good friend like Jesus.

Q1B) WHAT DOES JESUS’ REPLY TO MARTHA TEACH US?

LUKE 10:41-42

Jesus’ reply to Martha teaches that there is time for everything and that we should set our priorities right. “…but one thing needful; and Mary has chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her”. Vs. 42. Also, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God”. Matt. 4:4. Such an opportunity as being in the presence of the Lord Jesus was so important to wait and learn and hear the word of God. Mary knew this salient aspect of “walk with God” and quickly utilized it but Martha could not discern spiritual matter and so became offended that Mary did not assist in the service.

Q1C) HOW CAN YOU APPLY THIS TO YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES?

In our daily Christian lives we should understand the time for spiritual things and make proper use of it. Such time as personal/family devotion, quiet time/meditation, Bible study, Sunday School and when the message of God’s word is on in the church, etc. are precious moments in our walk with God and demand rapt attention.

However, the physical aspect of whole life should not be neglected.

Q2A) WAS JESUS AGAINST HOSPITALITY?

Hospitality is an integral part of Christian life. Jesus was not against hospitality, He demonstrated and appreciated it (Luke 5:29, 19:6); even the scriptures encourage entertaining strangers “for with that we can entertain angels unawares” (Heb. 13:2). Jesus only admonished Martha that there is time for everything; that the particular time of being with Him was to receive Bread of life.

Q2B) DISCUSS THE PLACE OF HOSPITALITY IN OUR LIVES AS CHRISTIANS

(MATT. 25:35-40, HEB. 13:2-3, 1 PET. 4:9)

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”. “Use hospitality one to another without grudging”. Hospitality has an important role to play in a Christian’s life. In the first place, it is the demonstration of godliness and love which is the second major commandment in God’s word. (Matt. 22:39). Secondly, it attracts heavenly and earthly rewards as the case of Abraham (Gen. 18, Luke 19:6). Thirdly, it creates relationship between the people and brings solution to imminent problem/disaster (Gen. 19, 2 Kings 4:8).

Q3A) WHY DID THE SISTERS SEND FOR JESUS WHEN LAZARUS WAS SICK?

John 11:1-3, Prov. 8:17 Lazarus’ sisters sent for Jesus when Lazarus was sick because he was their family friend who loved and cared for their welfare. The family had also showed love and hospitality to Jesus. Secondly, they knew that Jesus is the Savior who could be able to heal their sick brother hence they sent for Him (John 11:21).

Q3B) DISCUSS THE LEVEL OF LOVE BETWEEN JESUS AND THIS FAMILY.

John 11:1-3, 5, 35

The love between Jesus and Lazarus’ family knew no bound. “It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair…”.

Demonstration of love goes along with humility and this Mary did. Martha also showed this love by preparing food for Jesus in one of His visits. Jesus equally reciprocated their love by His visitation, teaching, and raising their brother to life.

Q4A) DOES JESUS’ TWO DAYS DELAY (JOHN 11:6) AND LAZARUS’ SICKNESS/DEATH SUGGEST LACK OF LOVE/COMPASSION?

JOHN 11:4

The two days delay was “for the glory of God that the Son of God might be glorified…” Matthew Henry once noted that God will work when He pleases, how He pleases, and by what means He pleases. He is not bound to keep our time, but He will perform His word, honor our faith and reward them that diligently seek Him.

Q4B) WHAT DOES THIS TEACH US ABOUT LIFE CHALLENGES THAT WE FACE?

When we look at delays with human eyes, we may be tempted to believe that either we are sinners and do not attract God’s attention for intervention or that God does not care any longer. If we are truly at the center of God’s will in our walk with Him, we should not entertain any doubt for he that doubted is like a wave of the sea (James 1:6); rather we should patiently wait for Him for He will surely act at the right time. To Lazarus’s sisters and every other person, it may have appeared as lack of love/compassion from a close friend such as Jesus. But God does not work with human timing and feeling, rather what will bring glory to His name (Jesus said that it was for the glory of God vs.4).

Q5) WHAT ENCOURAGEMENT CAN WE DERIVE FROM THE MIRACULOUS RAISING OF LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD?

John 11:38-44

The encouragement we can derive from the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead is that, that same Jesus who raised Lazarus from death is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). He has the ability to raise every dead part of our lives. We have to trust Him, and know that before Him, nothing is hopeless or too late for Him to turn around for our good.

DAILY LIVING APPLICATION

God’s timing and will in the midst of our trials may perplex us. He answers us according to His greater wisdom, perspective, and love. Our confidence in Him must not diminish. Therefore, keep on keeping on, believing, and trusting.

MEMORY VERSE

Luke 1:37

“For with God nothing shall be impossible”.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Monday: Dwell in God’s presence.

Psalm 27:4, John 11:42

Tuesday: It is good to be hospitable.

Heb. 13:2-3, Gen. 18:2-10

Wednesday: Jesus is the Author and finisher of our Faith.

Heb. 12:2, Phil. 1:6

Thursday: Do not lose confidence in Christ.

Heb. 10:35-39

Friday: God’s word stands sure.

Isaiah 55:8-11, 2 Pet. 3:9

Saturday: God is faithful to His children.

Dan. 3:15-25, 6:16-22