Wednesday | Week 10

A Reflection and Invitation to Contemplative Prayer & Meditation

In the Gospel of John, Chapters 11 and 12 are filled with beautiful, confounding, and thought-provoking words of Jesus. As you are reading through these chapters today, focus on the words in red. Jesus is always teaching through what He is doing AND speaking to His disciples and the crowds following Him. Let’s reflect on a few of His words:

“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Jesus is talking to Martha, His close friend. She’s worried about the bad odor because Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus is concerned about her belief system. He later says in this passage, “I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me” (John 11:42). Jesus is asking for those around Him to believe even before they see a miracle. Mark 9:23-24 highlights the scene of a demon-possessed boy being brought to Jesus for healing. Jesus says, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” The father exclaims, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” We all struggle with our faith and trust in a God we know but do not see. 

Today, pray a simple prayer:

“Lord, I do believe, but help my unbelief, any pocket of doubt I am carrying. I trust and believe in You. And I know You are working in my situation, even if I don’t see it right now. Work in my heart to give me peace and patience as I lean into You.”

Chapter 12 reveals more nuggets of truth for us to glean. Starting in verse 23, Jesus foreshadows His death on the cross speaking of a seed: “…unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels — a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity” (John 12:23, NLT). Jesus taught a backwards Kingdom. What we see in the natural is temporal, fleeting. What is unseen is eternal. Death produces life. Losing actually is winning. 

Once more today, utter a simple prayer: 

“Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross, being raised into new life so that I can truly live fully here on earth, as well as in eternity with You. Give me spiritual eyes to understand Your ways. I pray Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in and on this earth as it already is in Heaven. I surrender my life to You afresh and anew. Amen”