John 11, Part 2

Scripture: John 11:17-27

Observation: Jesus arrives in Bethany, where Lazarus is buried. Lazarus has been dead 4 days. This is significant, as now not only is he dead and buried but he is beginning to decay. There can be no doubt in the minds of those present that Lazarus is really and truly deceased. Martha hears that Jesus is approaching and runs out to meet Him. She tells Jesus that, had He been there, Lazarus would not have died, yet God will give Him whatever He asks (v.21-22). Martha shows great faith, though somewhat flawed. She doesn't see the possibility of Jesus bringing Lazarus back from the dead, only that He can ask God to do it. Jesus assures her Lazarus will rise again (v.23), which she understands to mean the future resurrection (v.24). Jesus reveals something much more profound: "I am the resurrection and the life" (v.25). He goes on to tell her that those who believe in Him will never die (v.26). When asked by Jesus if she believes this, Martha gives a great confession of faith: "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, the One coming into the world." (v.27).

Application: Oh, to have a faith like Martha! The poor woman had lost her beloved brother, who could have been saved by Jesus had He arrived earlier. Jesus is saying to her that those who believe in Him will never die. She could have said to Him, "What about my brother? He believed in You." Instead, she professed her faith in Christ. She didn't understand all He was saying, nor did she know what would happen next. But she held on to what she did know about Jesus, and believed in Him. That's what faith is all about: believing even without seeing or knowing. That's the kind of faith every Christian should have.

Prayer: And Father, that's the faith I want! At times I wish I knew more, understood more, could see into the future. But my faith must be based, not only on what is seen, but also on what is unseen (Hebrews 11:1). I must trust in You even when You seem distant, when I'm confused or don't understand. Because You are always with me. You know what I don't know, and that's enough for me. I love you Father. It is Jesus' name I pray, Amen.