🕊️ Devotional on John 11:11–20 Jesus Wakes the Sleeper

🕊️ John 11:11–20 Devotional - Jesus Wakes the Sleeper

📖 Full Scripture (NIV)

11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up."

12 His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better."

13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

14 So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead,

15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.

18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem,

19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.

20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

🙏 1. Opening Prayer

Lord, speak to me today through Your Word. Awaken my heart to see as You see, to trust Your timing, and to walk in deeper faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

🔁 2. Repeated Words or Phrases

• "asleep" / "wake him up" – verse 11
• "dead" – verses 13, 14
• "believe" – verse 15
• "go to him" – verse 15

🧭 3. Theme

Jesus redefines death through divine perspective and invites us into courageous faith.

🕊️ 4. Observing God

• Jesus views death as sleep and intends to wake Lazarus (v.11).
• He patiently clarifies truth to His disciples (v.14).
• Jesus delays not out of neglect, but for the sake of faith (v.15).
• He is not afraid of returning to a dangerous place (v.15).
• Jesus is approached with hope by Martha (v.20).

🧍 5. Observing Humans

• The disciples misunderstand Jesus’ figurative language (vv.12–13).
• They fear the threat in Judea (implied from earlier context).
• Thomas shows loyal, though somewhat fatalistic, devotion (v.16).
• Martha reacts quickly to Jesus' coming, showing initiative (v.20).
• Mary stays behind, possibly overwhelmed by grief (v.20).

✝️ 6. Interpreting God

Jesus’ perspective on death challenges our human view—what we fear as final, He sees as temporary rest. His timing is intentional; He allows difficult things not to harm, but to deepen our belief. He enters dangerous and sorrowful places not to avoid pain, but to bring hope and resurrection. His presence always comes with purpose, and He patiently invites us to trust Him more deeply.

👥 7. Interpreting Humanity

Humans often misinterpret spiritual truths, taking divine words at face value while missing deeper meaning. Fear of risk, grief, and confusion are natural responses, yet within these, faith can rise. Thomas’s brave declaration, though imperfect, shows our deep desire to remain close to Jesus no matter the cost. Martha’s movement toward Jesus reveals that even in sorrow, hope can lead us forward.

🪞 8. Personal Application

Am I interpreting my current situation through a purely human lens? What I think is a dead end might be a moment God will use to awaken new life. Today, I choose to meet Jesus like Martha did—bringing my pain, my questions, and my trust to Him. I will not stay stuck in fear or sorrow, but step forward in expectation that Jesus is coming with purpose.

💓 9. Spiritual Touch

“Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” (John 11:11)
— A tender picture of Jesus: full of life-giving power, drawing near in love.

🙌 10. Prayer of Faith, Repentance & Thanksgiving

Jesus, forgive me for doubting You when I don't understand. Thank You for seeing beyond what I see, for calling me to believe, and for waking what I thought was dead. I trust You and I welcome You into every hard place of my heart. Amen.

🌿 11. Meditate Throughout the Day

“But let us go to him.” (John 11:15)
— Reflect on this as an invitation. No matter the situation, Jesus is coming with resurrection in His heart.