What Jesus Did! 'Bad Things, God's People' — John 11:1-2

Monday, July 27, 2026

A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick.
— John 11:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

While John tells us this story of Lazarus' sickness and death in today's verses and the following verses, this story is part of a much bigger story. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are Jesus' disciples. Jesus knows them and loves them deeply. They love him and have chosen to follow him no matter the cost. Their loyalty and love are without fault. Yet Lazarus gets sick. Death comes to their home. Grief rips at their hearts. This story is also our story. We can listen to it and look and find our answers to life's most painful reality and several of life's most confusing questions. We are touched by Jesus and the simple, incomplete, and determined faith of these precious people. Bad stuff does happen to God's people, but Jesus will not allow the bad stuff to win! Jesus triumphs. Jesus is glorified. Those who love Jesus enjoy an eternal reunion with him.nbsp;[1] Let your heart settle in this place for the next several days as we continue through the story. Drink deeply of Jesus' words. Let the questions, as well as the faith of Martha and Mary, become your own. Find hope and life here, for while dark days will come your way, Jesus has the final victorious word, and you will have the final joy!

[1] 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Today's Prayer

Father, please deepen my faith and stitch these words of faith and comfort on my heart these next several days walking with Martha, Mary, Lazarus, and Jesus. Give me hope beyond my fear of death and trust beyond my limited faith sight. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 11:1-2 NLT — Her brother, Lazarus, was sick.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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