Why Jesus Waited: Lazarus, Grief, and the Bigger Picture - John 11:1-54 | May 20, 2026

Welcome to One Single Story, the weekday podcast where we open the Word of God and draw out lessons from the One Year Bible reading plan. Today we are in John chapter 11 -- the raising of Lazarus -- and we are talking about why Jesus delayed, what his authority over death really means, and whether grief and faith can coexist in the same heart at the same time. Scripture Focus: John 11 -- Jesus intentionally waits before going to Bethany. By the time he arrives, Lazarus has been in the tomb four days. What follows is a stunning display of Christ's power over death -- and a window into his full humanity, including grief, anger, and compassion. In This Episode: Why Jesus delayed, and what it reveals about God's timing and purpose Jesus's emotional response at the tomb -- his anger and anguish -- and what it means that he felt deeply and still stayed in control The contrasting responses of Martha and Mary, and how our personalities shape the way we handle crisis How grief and faith are not mutually exclusive -- and why God prioritizes revelation over relief Key Quote: "I don't think faith eliminates sorrow. It reframes it -- puts it in a different light." One Single Story is a daily weekday podcast from Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Subscribe wherever you listen, and join us tomorrow for the next conversation around the Word of God. visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #JohnChapter11 #GriefAndFaith #Faith #Scripture