96. Unshakable Faith
R
Then Jesus looked up and said, “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.”
John 11:41–42A
Tthe tomb of Lazarus Jesus called men to remove the stone.
Then he looked up and prayed, thanking God in advance
for what he knew would happen. Everyone there was stunned to see
a dead man emerge wrapped in grave cloths—everyone, that is, but
Jesus (see John 11). Jesus knew that Lazarus would come forth alive.
His faith in his Father’s power to raise him was unshakable. In fact,
he was so sure of God he could have prayed silently. So why did he
pray aloud?
Jesus thanked his Father audibly for the benefit of the of the peo-
ple standing there, so that they would believe in the Holy One whom
God had sent.
Do you have confidence enough to pray aloud for a friend in
need, knowing that only God can—and will—work a miracle for
your friend? Do you have confidence enough to pray aloud in a