Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

John 11:17-32 Finally Jesus makes His return to Bethany. Although He has not entered the city itself, He was nearby. Perhaps He was reticent about stirring up trouble before it was time and remained outside the town. Martha heard He was coming so she ran to meet Him. The words with which she addressed Him may be construed as a complaint, but I also see faith in her pronouncement. She revealed great faith that if Jesus had only come earlier Lazarus could have been spared. She knew the Lord had power to heal the sick regardless of the illness. Do we believe that today?

Notice her next words, “But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee” (John 11:22). Powerful words these. I fear not many of us can say with her that Jesus could have healed Lazarus if He had been there as she did. But now to seem to imply that He might still be able to do something after Lazarus is dead! What is she saying? Is this a statement of faith that we often overlook? Many will say that was a special time and things like that don’t happen in today’s world.

Well, what about her sister Mary? She waited in the house until Jesus called for her. Which was better, running to Jesus as Martha did, or waiting in the house until called?

Hard to know. Hard to say. Just different personalities revealing themselves. Each has its good points as well as its weaknesses. Just be who you are and trust in the Lord for your needs. Mary expressed the same feelings as Martha when she came to Christ.

In fact, according to John she spoke the exact same words; “Lord, if thou hadst been, my brother had not died.”

We can safely conclude I think, that these sisters believed in the Lord’s power to heal. We are not as confident that they really understood just yet who He was and what was about to happen, either with Lazarus or with Christ Himself. They were about to learn that He was Lord over death, and was Himself the Power of Resurrection.

Do you know Him as such?