Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Jesus Manifests His Power Over Death”

*DAILY BREAD: A DEVOTIONAL FOR THE CHILDREN* 

Eastern Nigeria Union Conference Children’s Ministries Department

Monday, March 13, 2023

 *TOPIC: JESUS MANIFESTS HIS POWER OVER DEATH* 

 _Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life; he that believes in me, though he was dead, yet he shall live” John 11:25_ 

We always sorrow and weep over the death of a loved one. Sometimes we are pained with the absence of some loved ones whom we expected to be around to commiserate with us when we are bereaved or during the period of tragedy. These maybe family members, friends, church members or neighbors. 

Mary and Martha had such experience when Lazarus their only brother died. Though they sent for Jesus, a special friend to the family, telling him that his friend was very sick but Christ did not show up until their brother died. The assurance of Jesus to them through the messenger was that” the sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God”.

The sisters wept bitterly and wondered why Jesus did not come even after sending a messenger to him. Two days after the death of Lazarus, Christ told his disciples that Lazarus has slept that they should follow him to Bethany to wake him from sleep. None of them understood that He meant that Lazarus was dead. It was then four days after the death and burial of Lazarus when Jesus arrived in Bethany. Mary and Martha said to Him “Lord, if thou have been here, our brother would not have died”. Seeing how sorrowful they were, Jesus was moved with much pity and He wept. He asked them to show Him where the body of their brother was laid and ordered the people to take away the stone that covered the cave. Jesus gave thanks unto His Father and cried with a loud voice “Lazarus come out”. Then Lazarus arose from death immediately and came out from the cave.

Jesus has power over every situation in our lives, even death. He wants us to believe in Him and if we believe, He will manifest His power and change the negative and ugly situations to be positive, all to the glory of His name. More so, He himself resurrected from death three days after He was crucified on the cross and buried. He has promised to resurrect all His friends who are dead now when He comes the second time on the last day. Do you believe on this promise?

 *Thought Reflections:* 

If you were Martha and Mary, how would you have felt that Jesus did not show up until Lazarus was dead for four days?

Are you a friend of Jesus? Why do you think so?

Meditate on John 14:15, John 15:14

 *Song* 

I’ve found a Friend; oh, such a Friend!

He loved me ere I knew Him;

He drew me with the cords of love,

And thus He bound me to Him.

And ’round my heart still closely twine

Those ties which nought can sever,

For I am His, and He is mine,

Forever and forever.

 *Prayer* 

Thank you, dear Father, because You love and care so much for me. Thank you for You have made me to know that whatever situation that gives me sorrow also gives you sorrow. I pray dear Lord that you help me to remain your friend and to believe in your promises, in Jesus name, I have prayed  .  Amen