“Lord, He Whom You Love Is Sick”
Seeking Jesus First - May 15, 2026
“Lord, He Whom You Love Is Sick”
Please Read John 11:1–7 (NKJV)
Reflection
Lazarus was gravely ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, knew Jesus loved their brother deeply. Yet they lived in Bethany, just two miles from Jerusalem — the very place where the religious leaders had recently tried to stone Jesus. Sending for Him was not a small or safe request.
Still, they sent this urgent message:
“Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
This was more than a prayer request. It was an act of bold faith and confident love. They believed Jesus cared enough to come. They believed He had the power to heal. And they were willing to risk rejection and danger because of their trust in Him.
Jesus’ response is both surprising and comforting:
“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
Even though Lazarus would die before Jesus arrived, the sisters’ bold love and faith set the stage for one of the greatest miracles in the Gospels — a miracle that would reveal the glory of God in a powerful way.
In the Kingdom life, true friendship with Jesus includes bold requests, even when it feels risky. Love and faith dare to ask. They refuse to stay silent when someone they love is in need. Mary and Martha didn’t know how Jesus would answer, but they knew who He was — and that was enough to move them to action.
Application
Today, ask the Holy Spirit: “Is there someone I love who is sick, struggling, or in need whom I have not yet brought boldly to Jesus?” Renew your mind with this truth: Bold faith and confident love send for Jesus even when it feels risky. Think of one person or one situation you have been hesitant to bring to the Lord. Write it down or speak it out in prayer today with the same confidence Mary and Martha showed: “Lord, behold, he/she whom You love is sick (or struggling, or hurting).” Trust that Jesus still responds to bold, faith-filled love. Then listen for His leading and obey it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Mary and Martha, who loved Jesus enough to send for Him even when it was dangerous. Thank You that they trusted Your love for Lazarus. Give us that same bold, confident love. Help us refuse to stay silent when those we love are in need. Renew our minds today to believe that You care deeply and that You are moved by our faith. Teach us to pray with courage and expectation, knowing that You can turn even the hardest situations into platforms for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.