July 29
Posted by Pastor Toledo

As we continue in John 11, we encounter the second aspect of the Journey to a Miracle as seen in Jesus’ raising up of Lazarus. Mary and Martha display a fundamental truth when it comes to expecting things of God – they went to Jesus. So often in our lives, we are given the opportunity to go to other sources for help, but Jesus is the real answer to any of our needs. The Bible says that even now He intercedes on behalf of His people.

Questions for Meditation

  1. Intercession is the act of appealing to God on the behalf of another. It means putting aside our own needs and desires and to stand in the gap for another person. What are some ways we become distracted from our intercessory calling? How can you take a more active role in praying intercessory prayers?
  2. Sometimes we get caught up in the appearance of prayer and forget to truly pour ourselves out to God, yet even the apostle prays that Christ would be formed in his people as it is with a mother laboring in giving birth (see Galatians 4:19). Do you think this is true in your own prayer life? If so, how can you let go and truly give yourself over to prayer?
  3. Mary’s faith said that she believed Jesus could raise her brother “even now,” but her head was saying it would not happen until a later date. What are you believing God for right now yet believing it will not happen until a later date?
  4. Even as believers today, there was a time in our lives when someone stood in the gap and prayed for us. Was there a time in your life when you knew someone took the time to intercede on your behalf?
  5. The shortest verse recorded in the scriptures states “Jesus wept.” He wept because of His anger towards sin and death and because his compassion for the people. No matter what we are going through, Jesus is fighting for us. What are some areas in your life where you feel like you are being attacked? Do you believe that Jesus is fighting for you?
  6. Resurrection power is God’s ability to lift someone up out of the depths. What are you believing God’s resurrection power for today?


Category: Exalted Christ, Sermons