The Test of Discipleship
John 11:1-6
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.…


To whom do we go first in the time of our extremity? What is our resource in the day of trouble? Can we say with David, "From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee when my heart is overwhelmed?" or do we betake ourselves to some other helper? The answer to these questions will determine whether we are the friends of Jesus or not. Travelling once upon a railroad ear, I had among my fellow passengers a little laughing child who romped about and was at home with everybody, and while she was frolicking around it might have been difficult to tell to whom she belonged, she seemed so much the property of everyone; but when the engine gave a loud, long shriek, and we went rattling into a dark tunnel, the little one made one bound and ran to nestle in a lady's lap. I knew then who was her mother! So in the day of prosperity it may be occasionally difficult to say whether a man is a Christian or not; but when, in time of trouble, he makes straight for Christ, we know then most surely whose he is and whom he serves.

(W. M. Taylor, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

WEB: Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister, Martha.




The Sisters' Message and the Lord's Response
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