Lecture Notes: Understanding the Story of Lazarus and Concepts of Increase and Decline

Introduction

• Importance of being in the moment and understanding the process without knowledge of the ending.
• Context from John 11, involving Martha and Mary sending for Jesus when Lazarus dies.
• Emphasis on the human experience of expectation and disappointment when Jesus initially doesn’t respond.

Martha's Interaction with Jesus

• Martha meets Jesus and expresses her disappointment mixed with faith.
• Jesus assures her that her brother will rise again, introducing the concept of resurrection.
• Key statement: Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life."

Theme 1: Development in Life

• Childhood development is assessed by cognitive, emotional, and social milestones.
• Adulthood focuses on maintaining stability, and later, on signs of decline.
• Development is characterized by growth, stability, and decline, without clear transitions.

Theme 2: The Concept of Increase

• Increase often comes in disguise and may not be immediately recognizable.
• Increase requires awareness and sometimes external validation (Mary nudging Jesus at the wedding).
• Belief in personal growth can transform obstacles into opportunities.

The Role of Belief in Overcoming Decline

• Decline happens when unaware, often while continuing to produce and perform.
• Importance of realizing personal decline and seeking help or change.
• Jesus’ interactions are not to eliminate grief but to strengthen belief.

Theme 3: Grieving and Believing

• Jesus doesn’t strip Martha of grief but seeks to deepen her belief.
• Belief should evolve beyond traditional or recycled faith for true breakthroughs.
• Realizing new levels of faith is essential for overcoming personal and generational challenges.

Personal Insights and Reflections

• Encouragement to surrender personal plans and trust divine timing.
• Importance of community and support in strengthening belief.
• Reflection on one's journey from grief to new belief, and ensuring not to miss disguised increases.

Conclusion

• Call to action for personal reflection on areas to grieve and new beliefs to adopt.
• Encouragement to embrace and recognize increase even in difficult situations.
• Final prayer and blessing for continued growth and faith.