Remember Jesus
As one exited Jerusalem, just downhill from the Mount of Olives, there was a small village named Bethany. Bethany was 2-3 miles outside of Jerusalem. Jesus stayed often in this small community. Jesus was extremely fond of a family that lived in Bethany. Lazarus, Mary, and Martha often hosted Jesus when He was in the area. The Gospel of John tells us that Lazarus was afflicted with a serious illness. His condition was so grave that his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus. Jesus had healed many people and Lazarus’ sisters firmly believed that Jesus could and would help. John 11 tells us that after hearing of Lazarus’ sickness, Jesus delayed in coming to help. As a matter of fact, Jesus deliberately waited, knowing that Lazarus would die from this unnamed illness. When Jesus finally arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had been dead four days. As Jesus draws near Bethany, word reaches Mary and Martha that Jesus has finally arrived. The story depicts Lazarus’ sisters as perplexed when they meet Jesus. Why did He not come immediately? Didn’t Jesus understand the seriousness of their message about Lazarus? Could it be that Jesus did not care? It seems likely that all these things ran through their minds.
I focus on this story to make an observation. Mary and Martha were quite right to think that Jesus was the answer to their situation. When times are hard, it is good to remember Jesus. When people don’t listen, remember Jesus. When tears come, remember Jesus. When disappointment is your bed partner, remember Jesus. When fear pitches its tent in your front yard, when death looms, when anger singes, when shame weighs heavily, remember Jesus!
Remembering Jesus is not simply a one-time thing to do. Remembering Jesus is a mindset, it is a lifestyle that we, as followers of Jesus, must do. When we get up in the morning and a new day has dawned, we need to remember Jesus. The reason we take time through the day to read and meditate on God’s word is to learn more about Jesus. We nurture and grow our faith, allowing “faith-roots” to grow deep in the truth that Jesus gives us. As we engage in daily activities we endeavor to act like Jesus. We love those around us. We serve people in the name of Jesus. We often face hardship and hurt, yet we venture to forgive in the same way we have been forgiven by Jesus. We see a world that is desperately searching for meaning and purpose, and to this world we proclaim Jesus.
The Apostle Paul was a man who initially rejected Jesus. Paul was a contemporary of Jesus. Paul was a young man who was living in Jerusalem at the same time Jesus walked the Jerusalem streets. Whether Paul actually saw Jesus with his own eyes, we do not know. What we do know is that Paul spurned the messianic claims of Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus appeared to Paul as he traveled to Damascus on a mission to kill Christians. Paul was struck blind and spent 3 days considering the truth about Jesus. As a result, Paul embraced Jesus and became a Christian. Paul would spend his life remembering and following Jesus. It is this truth that prompts Paul to write in 2 Timothy 2:8>> ”Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.” (NIV)
Let me refer back to Mary and Martha. They were exactly right to remember Jesus when Lazarus was deathly ill. Understand, that when we turn to God, we trust in His time-table and His plans. Mary and Martha did not know Jesus had a bigger miracle planned. They did not realize that Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead for the glory of God. Little did they comprehend that many Jews would turn to Jesus and believe in Him because of this amazing and unexpected miracle. I’m convinced that God inspired John to record this remarkable story to remind Christians throughout history that “Remembering Jesus” is what we are called to do each and every day. So, how are you doing today? In hard times, remember Jesus. When you don’t have the answers or the power, remember Jesus. As you reach for help, remember Jesus. Keep looking up!