Jesus Invokes Gratitude
- sip shareen
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Jesus is our perfect example of how to live. We learn by hearing His words and watching His actions. Throughout Scripture, we see believers who stayed close to Him. They watched Him, questioned Him, and grew into Christlike disciples.
From their lives, we see this truth: when we sit in proximity to Jesus—listening to Him, walking with Him, staying near His heart—we are shaped into His likeness.
Learning from Lazarus
One believer I want to focus on is Lazarus.
We know his story from John 11–12. When Lazarus fell sick, Jesus intentionally waited two days before traveling to Bethany. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had already died.
In one of the most intimate moments in Scripture, Jesus is deeply moved and even weeps with those mourning (John 11:35). He sits in their grief with them—He is near, present, and compassionate.
But something powerful happens next. John 11:38 tells us, “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb.” This is where Jesus moves from presence to action.
Then we read His words in John 11:41-42:
“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
Before performing the miracle, Jesus gives thanks. He expresses gratitude to the Father before Lazarus even walks out of the tomb.
Proximity Changes Everything
Many teachings end at Lazarus’ resurrection, but what happened afterward matters just as much.
Here’s what we know about Lazarus:
He was one of Jesus’ dear friends.
He was raised from the dead.
He shared meals and moments with Jesus, even after death no longer had a hold on him.
John 12:9–11 gives us a striking detail:
“Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So, the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.”
The phrase “going away” can be translated as “deserted their traditions.” Lazarus’ transformed life was so compelling that people abandoned their old customs to follow Christ.
Lazarus Stayed Close
What made Lazarus so influential? It wasn’t just that he was once dead and now alive—anyone could have dismissed that as a story.
The difference was that Lazarus continued to sit with Jesus. He stayed in proximity, learning, soaking up every moment, even though it put him at risk.
His home became a place of fellowship and gratitude. His closeness to Jesus was a testimony in itself.
Belief Produces Gratitude
Lazarus’ belief that Jesus was the Messiah was like a seed planted, and gratitude was the fruit.
Here’s the key truth:
Emotions don’t validate truth—emotions validate belief.
Lazarus believed in the Truth, and his belief showed up as gratitude, courage, and a willingness to risk everything to stay near Jesus.
When we sit in proximity to Him—watching, listening, and learning—our belief becomes a seed that grows. Gratitude then becomes the evidence of that belief, showing up in our words, emotions, and actions.
Your Turn: Sit Close and Live Grateful
Like Lazarus, we can choose to stay close to Jesus, even in uncertain or dangerous times. We can express gratitude before the miracle, trusting God to bring life to what feels dead.
Reflection Questions:
What areas of your life need to be brought back into proximity with Jesus?
How can you express gratitude before you see the breakthrough?
Who around you might be drawn to Jesus through your example of belief and thankfulness?
Meet the Author: Denetta Marler is a dedicated working professional, loving mom, and supportive pastor’s wife who wears many hats gracefully. She serves as a key volunteer in nearly every area of the church—from children’s ministry to worship—bringing energy, faithfulness, and joy wherever she is. Denetta is passionate about helping others encounter Jesus, building community, and living out her faith in every area of life.
