The Shepherd at the Tomb | John 11:1–57

In John 10, Jesus tells us, “I am the good shepherd.” He tells us what makes the Good Shepherd different: He lays down His life for His sheep.

Then John 11 shows us exactly what that means.

When Lazarus becomes sick, Jesus waits. When He finally goes to Bethany, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Martha and Mary both ask the question we have all asked at some point: “Lord, if You had been here…”

But Jesus reminds Martha of something greater than the outcome she is hoping for:

“I am the resurrection and the life.”

Jesus enters their grief. He weeps with them. He walks toward the tomb. And then He speaks:

“Lazarus, come out!”

The dead man walks out of the tomb.

But Lazarus’ resurrection points to something even greater. Jesus is about to walk toward His own death and ultimately His own tomb. The Good Shepherd is willing to lay down His life to bring His sheep home.

John 11 reminds us that God’s delay does not mean God’s absence. We can bring our grief honestly to Jesus. Our hope is not ultimately found in getting the outcome we want—it is found in the Person who is the Resurrection and the Life.

Whatever tomb you may be standing beside today, whatever prayer seems unanswered, whatever loss you are carrying, do not confuse the silence of Jesus with the absence of Jesus.

The Shepherd is still at work.

And when everything looks dead, remember: we follow a Shepherd whose voice can be heard even inside a tomb.

#MFBC #TheShepherdAtTheTomb #John11 #Jesus #ResurrectionAndLife

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