So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:42-43 NABRE
John tells us the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, a preeminent sign in Jesus public ministry. Jesus speaking to His disciples tells that Lazarus has died and Jesus is glad he did so that those with him may believe. By many calculations this event occurred near the end of Jesus public ministry, possibly three years into His teaching, and healing, traveling with the same disciples from the start. Jesus is aware they don’t believe and knows bringing Lazarus back to life, his faithful retinue will finally come to believe His message and life. In the critical moment when Jesus tells them to roll away the stone from Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus lifts his eyes and prays. We see an insight into His relationship with the Father. He begins thanking the Father for hearing Him. He doesn’t ask the Father to listen, Jesus’ relationship with His Father is such that Jesus knows His Father always listens to Him. In fact he emphasizes the point by adding, I know you always hear me.
Jesus’ relationship with the Father is the same relationship we are invited to have with the Father. We are God’s and through our journey the Father watches and hears all we do. We, like Jesus can begin our prayer with; thanks for hearing and affirming that we know the Father always hears us. Jesus renders this specific when He says to the Father, I pray this way so that those who hear may believe I am sent by You, Father. Jesus doesn’t take credit for bringing Lazarus back to life, it is through the Father that Lazarus lives.
Do you trust the Father hears you? Do you know all good is from God?
We, like Jesus can begin our prayer with; thanks for hearing and affirming that we know the Father always hears us. Click To Tweet#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #hear #believe #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways