11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:11-15, 23-25

Lazarus dies as a result of becoming sick. Jesus' response was to engage that painful moment, one that hit close to home. Both Lazarus and those who grieved for him were dear friends of Jesus. At this moment, Jesus reveals the heart of God in the midst of tragedy. There are things Jesus did that we can also do. Every man who calls himself a Christ follower has incredible opportunity to learn from what Jesus did and said in response to the death of His friend.

The heart of God moves toward tragedy and engages those affected by it with hope. The very mission of Jesus was to "seek and save the lost," a hopeful message in a world held captive by hopelessness. All around us are tragic events. From disease to violence, every day seems to bring with it the pain resulting from tragedy. Be like Jesus and engage people who are hurting, speaking the truth of the Gospel.

DO THIS TODAY: Move toward the pain of others and speak the truth.