The Gospel of John Lesson 42 (07-28-2013) John 11:45-12:8

The Gospel of John Lesson 42 (07-28-2013)

Lesson 42 – John 11:45-12:8

This world is always divided concerning Jesus, his message and the Church, vs. 45-6. Everyone has an opinion. A fan side observation and opinion. But, as the Church we need to understand that to Jesus an opinion of Him was not good enough. His perspective was to draw everyone into the game. It was not good enough to Him to have the stands filled with spectators essentially uninvolved having only opinions having no skin in the game.

From His perspective, His desire was to draw the spectators down onto the field and get them into the game knowing that even at that some of them would chose to play for the other side as we see here in vs. 45-6. In just a few days He would draw all the spectators onto the field to participate in the biggest games in history. The only thing is that this was not a game. Those who would participate in this game would either receive His message and join Him and His side or choose to join the opposite team supporting their precepts, principles and ways. All would play.

We will also find that those who would choose to stay in the stands deciding to continue to be spectators would get a surprise finding this life or death game would come to them even in the stands eventually going even farther, going outside the stadium involving the whole world. In this game, so to speak, there would eventually be no spectators. Again, eventually all would play.

In these passages we see the two sides forming, and unlike other sports events, one of the options was the ability to change sides. Jesus’ perspective was to have all either be hot or cold concerning this event. Being lukewarm or apathetic and ambivalent would be acceptable.

V. 46 tells us that after the resurrection of Lazarus surprisingly some chose the other side, going their way to the religious leaders of the synagogue  informing them what had happened. They should have been overjoyed by what had happened, but that wasn’t their reaction.

We see in v. 47 that the first thing that they do in response to what they heard, like all good leaders, is to call for a meeting of the leadership council. Their objective was not to honestly evaluate what had happened and what their response, if any, should be, but was more of when and how we can crush what they perceive to be the opposition who had become a threat to their position and status.

We see in v. 48 that they had an accurate idea of what was at stake. The stakes were high. If they did not take action there was the probability that they would lose it all, their nationality or nation, their place of worship which was the temple and their ability to perform their rituals including their rule over the people which would affect their status. Right now, at this time, they at least had a place, even though they were under Roman rule. Even though life was not perfect, at least they were tolerated, and they had the Temple…things could be worse.

In v. 49 Caiaphas the high priest, however, essentially called the whole conversation ridicules telling them that they were not seeing the whole thing clearly at all. He tells them that they have one option and one option only and that that was to do away with the One that they saw to be the trouble maker which was Jesus. He makes the point that they have no other choice when considering between one man and the survival of a nation. To him, what had to be done was crystal clear. Jesus had to go.

Caiaphas, however, did not realize that in making this statement as the high priest of Israel at this time that he was actually being used of God to prophesy of things to come concerning Jesus, the nation Israel and also the world at large. In v. 51 John tells us that he, Caiaphas, did not come up with this by himself, but that God had moved him to speak such words and to come up with such a plan.

In v. 53 we find the council agreeing with him and from that time forward they begin to formulate the master plan planning to not just silence Him, or imprison Him, but to get rid of Him once and for all. The plan for Him was death, a direct violation to the law that they so piously claimed to uphold. Jesus knowing this plan, v. 54, and that the time although being close for His crucifixion and death was not yet fulfilled, retreats with His disciples to a relatively nearby city, Ephraim, staying just out of reach for the moment.

Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, Jerusalem and the Jews were getting ready for the coveted annual ‘Passover’ event. John tells us that many were now arriving in preparation for this observance purifying them in preparation for this event. It was a solemn event required by the Jewish Law and was geared toward observances focusing on man’s sin and God’s forgiveness through sacrifice. Although there were many components and parts to this event, the main focus was on what was referred to as the Passover lamb which was sacrificed for sin.

We remember John the Baptist’s proclamation at the beginning of this epistle in Jn. 1:29 referring to Jesus as the One true and only Lamb of God. In only days this Lamb of God, Jesus, would show up and fulfill Caiaphas’ prophesy being sacrificed for the sins of many. While others were sincerely attempting to prepare themselves for God using the rituals and symbolism of the Passover as their guide, others, i. e. Israel’s religious leadership, were plotting a grave offense planning to kill Jesus.

Under the insistence and direction of Caiaphas the high priest and the chief council they now had a united and firm resolve to find Jesus when He showed up and arrest Him with the intention of putting Him to death. We will see some pretty interesting dynamics by them to make this happen and yet attempt to stay within what they consider the boundaries of their laws.

The order now goes out requiring anyone who has seen Jesus and knows of His whereabouts to report Him to the authorities. This order, in all probability, went out with a price or reward attached to it and it is likely that this offer had made it back to the ears of Judas Iscariot. If this had happened it would be a temptation because of his love of money that was too great to pass by. Unfortunately Judas had never read or taken to heart I Tim. 6:10 reminding him of the evils of loving money. However, not all will comply with this order from the council on high choosing Jesus instead.

  

John Chapter 12

Shortly thereafter, six days before the Passover was to be held, Jesus returns to Bethany the home town of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. We find those there giving Him a supper in His honor. Matthew and Mark’s account tell us that this supper was held at Simon the leper’s house, probably in appreciation for Jesus’ healing of not only Simon, but for healing others as well. Of those who had attended most if not all had been touched by Jesus in some way.  The healing of Simon for his leprosy is highly probable. But, others in attendance had also been healed by Jesus and may have included those healed with other infirmities that were not only physical, but spiritual and emotional as well.

In v. 3 we also see Lazarus in attendance at this dinner. Jesus had just raised him from the dead just days earlier. Prior to his resurrection Lazarus had lay dead and buried four days in the grave. Many, if not most of those present at this dinner had probably been there seeing what had happened. Next to Jesus, Lazarus would have been one of the most interesting guests you could have had at the dinner table.

It must have been interesting dinner conversation that night having Lazarus at the dinner table. Some versions tell us that his posture was reclining and relaxed. I wonder what the conversation might have been about that night. What amazing stories and testimonies must have been shared that night. Jesus did not call for this gathering or diner, but had been invited to come by those who were truly thankful for what Jesus had done for them.

But, in verse 3 we see an unusual thing happen. Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, now moves to center stage, not for attention or show, but in a humble and thankful spirit coming to Jesus and bowing at His feet. This is not the first time that we see Mary assume this posture or position. We had seen Mary recently in this same humble posture of adoration just prior to this in chapter 11 coming to Him with a request concerning the death of her brother. But, now her brother is not dead any more. He was present and alive, sitting at the table.

Mary being moved with extreme gratitude assumes the same posture as we saw in chapter 11 even though now she had already received her request.  Moved to one perform of the most prominent acts of worship recorded in Scripture Mary anoints Jesus for His burial anointing His head and feet with very expensive oil and then wipes off the excess with her hair. (Wow!) The room stops. All conversation ceases. The fragrance of the oil fills the air.

However, like most prominent acts of true worship they usually go unnoticed as such by those who are found to be nearby. If noticed at all they are usually tagged as being insignificant or even foolish or ridicules. But, observing Jesus’ reaction here we see that God looks at things differently. He looks at the heart. God looking at the heart understands the intent of the heart and judges the act and intent accordingly.

Mary having a pure heart comes before Jesus in an act and position of submission breaking open a bottle of costly ointment and begins to pours it onto Jesus’ head and feet. In the eyes of those present this was not a practical move. The ointment was worth a lot of money. The ointment could have easily been sold and put to better use. After all there are a lot of hungry people out there. Jesus had taught them to care about others and not so much about themselves and personal indulgencies.

But, Mary did not see it that way. All she saw was Jesus and what He had done for her. There was no cost or sense of what was practical as far as she was concerned. To her it did not matter the cost or what others thought. In her heart she had decided to give her all back to Jesus, and bowing down began to anoint Him.

But, others at the table did not see it that way. They had seen it as wasteful. It was Judas that spoke up, but he in essence was actually speaking for the group saying what they were at least thinking. He started by quoting the numbers saying this oil could have been sold and put too much better use. To this all of those at the table would have agreed with him.

But, Judas had even an additional motive that moved him to say what he had said. He had a personal agenda that prompted his statement. V. 6 tells is that he was the holder of the money bag. This bag was supposed to fund their ministry work, but in actuality Judas had gotten use to dipping into the till for his own personal benefit. He had gotten use to seeing these opportunities as a business adventure with plenty of opportunity for his personal profit. This opportunity concerning Mary’s ointment was a cha-ching to Judas and had the potential of putting a year’s worth of wages within his fingertips.

But, Jesus knowing the hearts and the intents of those in the room straightens them out as to what is really important telling them ‘to obey is better than sacrifice’. Mary in obeying her heart was indeed doing the right thing in anointing Jesus even though it was costly. It sounds to me from the text that maybe Jesus may have been a little abrupt with them concerning their attitude toward Mary’s act of worship. Concerning Judas it was a reprimand, Jesus judging the intent of his heart. To the others a teaching lesson telling them not to be fooled by appearances reminding them that it is the heart and not the cost that determines the offering.

There are two other references recording Mary’s act of worship found in Matt. 26:6-13 and Mk. 14:3-9. In them it tell us that Jesus was so impressed with Mary’s humble act of worship that the record of what she had done would last for as long as His gospel was preached. In v. 7 of John chapter 12 it tells us that it was Mary alone of those present who realized what was close before Jesus that He would soon suffer and die. Again, she was not focused on the cost. Whatever it cost it was worth it. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 41 (07-21-2013) John 11:32-44

The Gospel of John Lesson 41 (07-21-2013)

Lesson 40 – John 11:32-44

v. 32 Mary finally comes to Jesus after Martha told her that Jesus was asking for her. Upon arriving the passage says that she fell down at His feet we assume to worship Him. However, her worship in all likelihood was not without emotion. She had been grieving the loss of her brother and had been so upset that she couldn’t talk to anyone, not even Jesus. At Jesus’ request to see her she now comes to Him and falls at His feet essentially worshiping Him, but also coming with some questions for Him. In all likelihood she came to Jesus crying and in bereavement. She was followed by a host of mourning friends including what John referred to as the Jews.

V. 33 gives us an insight into the tenderness of our God. We find Him here overcome with emotion, so much so that it says that He was troubled in His spirit. I believe that at this point found here that the reality of the whole mess and problem concerning the sin and plight of man stood visibly before Jesus…the pain and suffering of man in his fallen state. The final outcome of sin ending in death, the broken hearts and agony of lost loved ones, severed relationships, all the suffering that was never meant to be overcame Him and was just too much for Him causing Him to grieve not only the loss of Lazarus, but also the loss of all who die. This whole scene was never meant to be.

Jesus knew this would happen. He knew that He would lose it,..that this scene would be too much for Him. He had warned His disciples back in v. 15 of this chapter that He knew that He could not go to Bethany right away because He would not be able to restrain Himself from acting on their behalf.

The Father had given Him a plan and purpose for this visit and Jesus knew what it was, Jn. 11:4. He also knew that even for Him that it would have been difficult to obey the Father in this, and even though we know that He would have in the end ended up obeying the Father, He also knew that it would have been much more painful for those involved to wait out the time for Lazarus’ resurrection if He had been there.

In v. 34 Jesus truly being overcome with emotion asks them where they had buried Lazarus. In going to the grave site we read some of the most powerful and meaningful words in the Bible, ‘Jesus wept’. This cry would echo throughout the halls of time.

To think that Jesus wept for Lazarus would be a mistake. Jesus knew what was about to happen. If His emotion expressed here was just for Lazarus His response and remark to the situation and those present would have been much different. He would have much more just smiled and reassured them that it would be alright, that Lazarus was ok and everything would work out in the end, in just a few minutes, telling them to just wait a few minutes and see. He would have reassured them like a parent would reassure a child that the storm is not to be feared and that thunder will pass quickly and not to worry. We see that He had tried to do that earlier in this chapter when He referred to Lazarus’ death referring to Lazarus’ death as him falling asleep.

It appears to me that here in this section of Scripture that His troubled spirit and the tears that He shed was more over death and all that goes with it. This was real life. People that were involved in this thing called death and they felt real pain and agony. In a short time He would feel it even more than they did experiencing death first hand and suffering and paying for the sins of man. This was never meant to be. He felt their/our pain. It hurt so much that He, always the strong and confident one, cried. Moved by compassion, it broke His heart.

This is one of the only two instances recorded in Scripture that Jesus was so overcome to tears. He was saddened on other occasions, and sometimes greatly, but not moved to tears. It took a lot to overcome Him like this. What was before Him was significant. His reaction to what He saw was proof of the magnitude of the problem. His compassion for Lazarus and the plight of all men was evident. In vs. 36 and 37 even the Jews looking on had to admit God’s love for Lazarus and had come to the same conclusion that Mary and Martha did, that Lazarus would not have died had Jesus been there.

The moment had arrived. Now was the time to show not only those present, but all of mankind the promise given to all who believe. Here Jesus is demonstrating to all of us what He will do for all who believe, not just what He was about do so for Lazarus. Resurrection and the shedding of this past fallen life is the promise of all believers.

We see in the Gospel of John that Jesus made the promise many times that those who believed in Him that they would not die. We see Him reassure Martha of this in vs. 25-6. He also referred to Lazarus’ situation not as death, but sleep. He was the One to fulfill the promise of eternal life,…not in reincarnation or purgatory or by some other means. He IS eternal life in Paradise. Later in v. 40 we will see Him refer to God’s glory and that there are certain things that are only for God, demonstrating His Majesty and Power. Resurrection was one of those ‘God’ things.

Jesus’ feelings’ concerning this situation was not a quick fleeting emotion. In v. 38 we read that He continued to be overcome with emotion as they accompanied Him to the grave site. He would feel the same about this situation and what had happened tomorrow, and the next day or next year. He had felt this way about this problem all along, at least through the history of man. He was soon to remedy the cause of this problem altogether only days from now.

Jesus arrives at the grave site and begins to go to work. It was a cave that had been sealed with a large stone. The time had come to do what the Father had instructed Him to do. Jesus instructed them to take the stone away that sealed the tomb. At this command the world standing by shouts ‘impractical’ … ‘not logical’ … ‘this does not make sense.

The interesting thing was that the comment about being impractical came from within the camp. Wasn’t it Martha that had just asked Him only moments ago to raise her brother and that He could do it if he only wanted to? Martha always the practical one earlier had stepped out of her comfort zone and had made a statement of faith that at least had looked good on paper telling Jesus that she did believe in Him so much that she claimed to know beyond a reasonably shadow of a doubt that He could raise Lazarus even from the grave if He had wanted to.

But, now Jesus was graveside. Her faith was now about to become reality and the thought of seeing her brother again in this situation was a little unnerving. She tells Him that by now the body is stinking and pulling the stone away is not a good idea. It is possible that she was more concerned with Jesus making a fool of Himself. What if He was to make a public display and prematurely and foolishly ask Lazarus to come forward and nothing were to happen. By saying this, Martha, like us, was saying ‘I believe in you Jesus even if things don’t work out, …just remember I am on your side even if this doesn’t work out.

In v. 40 Jesus reassures her, however, not to worry and that He is the real deal. He reminds her of the purpose of this whole event…He was here to ‘Glorify God!’ This would unmistakably be the work of God. The works before this definitely had the image of God associated with them identifying Jesus with the Father. However, this one work that was about to happen would part the waters so to speak between faith and doubt like nothing that had happened prior to this.

After this, those who would chose not to believe His message would have no reason to reject it except that they chose not to receive His free offer. They were about to see God’s unmistakable glory. That means that what was about to happen was reserved only for use by God. God will not share His glory with anyone else, Is 42:8. No one but God was able to do this.

After hearing this it appears that Martha reassumes a position of faith and trust in Jesus as Messiah and faithfully watches what is about to happen. In v. 41 they take away the stone. Jesus prays. But, He prays aloud being sure that everyone can hear Him. Jesus makes a prayerful public declaration to God the Father much like Elijah did on Mt. Carmel before all those that were present. As a side note, I sometimes wonder what Jesus’ prayer life was really like, public and private. I am sure that He could have taught me more than a thing or two.

Praying aloud like this was not common for Jesus and was not what He had instructed His disciples to do, Matthew chapter 6. He had instructed His followers to not pray publically like the publicans who prayed so that everyone can hear their piety. Instead He told them to pray to God in private telling them that their prayer and praying was to God and not as a show for others to hear.

But, this was different. This prayer was to God for their benefit. There had to be no mistake as to who He was and what He came to do in this situation. Soon the world would have to decide whether or not they believed His message and the purpose of His coming. This decision about believing in Him would not be optional. Lazarus would be stone dead for four days. Their eternal fate would hang in the balances. What was about to happen with Lazarus would make the difference for many who had not yet fully placed their faith in Him. Others, also, at the raising of Lazarus would resolve to turn against Him. His prayer had to be public.

Even though His prayer was public, it was still just that, a prayer. In His prayer and communion with God even though His prayer was short what He says publically is significant. In His prayer in essence He walks right up to God and calls Him by His first name, calling Him Father, and identifies with him in prayer publically as if He were speaking directly with Him instead about Him.

It was as if He were presenting the Father to them publically for all to hear saying ‘This is my Father’ and then making a gesture to His Father like saying ‘Hi Dad’ waiting for a public response of recognition from His Father that indeed He is His Son, who He claims to be.

He had made a public statement. He publically had put His reputation on the line. Those present waited for the reply from God in their mind not sure whether God would reply or not. Jesus had put Himself completely in God’s hands also waiting for the Father’s reply, however, with one difference, knowing that the Father would indeed reply.

Like Elijah at Mt. Carmel, if God was going to speak it was time for God to speak. The outcome of what was about to happen had the potential of turning the hearts of the people toward God as God’s Mt Carmel event did, and probably even more so. Jesus knowing how the Father would respond, depending on the Father for the outcome, turns and speaks loudly so that all may hear. He commanded Lazarus to come forth.

For just but a fraction of a second everyone waits to see what would be the outcome. As in the case of Elijah, so there could be no doubt, God’s response was instantaneous. Lazarus awakes and comes forth…still wearing his pajamas…in public none the less! God had spoken! Loudly! Jesus unsurprised by what had happened finishes the job telling those present to help Lazarus get dressed appropriately for someone who is awake…awake to sleep no more!

God had spoken! In v. 45 it says that many of those who were present seeing what had happened were now ready to step forward and place their faith fully in this One. We must remember that it is only a week to ten days at this point to Jesus’ crucifixion. There is no time to be casual about what was happening. This was not just another miracle. This event would be the watershed for many as to what they end up believing. Jesus was right when He told His disciples in vs. 9-10 that they need to be at work because there is not much day left. In the remaining days before the Cross it will be amazing to watch how quickly things will happen.  

The Gospel of John Lesson 40 (07-14-2013) John 11:17-32

The Gospel of John Lesson 40 (07-14-2013)

Lesson 40 – John 11:17-32

In v. 17 Jesus arrives at Bethany. Lazarus had now been in the grave four days. It is important to note a couple of things at this point. First, Bethany was not far from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship. Bethany was about two miles away from Jerusalem and even thought the region is somewhat hilly Jerusalem was pretty much easy access for those in Bethany. The second point is that in the verses to follow it is interesting to see the intimate connection that Mary, Martha and Lazarus had with those in this center of worship in Jerusalem even though they were good friends with Jesus. In v. 19 we see that many of the Jews came to comfort them. The impression is that at least at this point they were still connected to and in good standing with the Temple which included its leaders.

It is interesting to see the dynamic of the connectedness of Martha, Mary and the now passed Lazarus with both Jesus and those in Jerusalem. There is no doubt that they were connected strongly to Jesus for we see the bond conveyed here in this passage, but as yet it appears that we find them in good standing also with those in the Temple. We will see that soon following Lazarus’ rising from the dead that this dynamic concerning the good standing with those in the Temple will change drastically seeing their so called friends in the Temple turn against them.

However, the picture that we get at this point is one like being a part of a local church as far as having support in a time of crisis… with the exception of the twist of the hierarchy of the dominate Temple leadership. It is hard to get an accurate and adequate sense of the setting at this point. In v. 19 we read that many of the Jews came to comfort them. More than once in the Gospel of John we see John use the term ‘the Jews’ to refer to the Temple leadership and those associated with that leadership that were often so opposed to Jesus and His teachings. It is hard to know for sure whether the term Jews found in v. 19 actually refers to any of those in the higher Temple leadership positions and may indeed only refer to the Jews in general. However, it is likely that at least some of those present had close connections with those in leadership, Jn.11:45. It is interesting that it appears that Mary and Martha still have a place and appear to still be in good standing so to speak in the world and leadership of Temple life in spite of their close connection and dedication to Jesus. In may also be mentioned that Jesus’ crucifixion now is only days away.

In v. 20 we see an interesting response to Jesus’ arrival by Martha and Mary. We read in v. 20 that as soon as the news came that Jesus had now come that Martha dropped everything and immediately went to see Him. But, we also read that Mary did not react the same. V. 20 tells us that Mary remained at home.

Earlier in our study of this chapter, vs. 3-6, we saw that Mary and Martha had sent messengers to tell Jesus that Lazarus was deathly sick and were requesting that He come right away to help essentially in their hearts wanting Jesus to heal him. But, in v. 6 we read that Jesus did not come as expected. He, Jesus, abode where He was for two days before He began His journey to come to their rescue. But, by then it in their eyes was too late…Lazarus was now dead.

 At that time in our study we asked the question ‘How do we feel, and, how do we react when Jesus does not react or respond as we had expected Him to?’ This is a real life question and one that we often answer in an abstract way until we walk in the reality of life.

Here in v. 20 we see the reality of life and the real reality of the reaction to it by two different people. Sometimes we have the tendency especially in the case of Mary and Martha to pick a side as to which one may have reacted more appropriately to a situation, however, what we see here is just the way two different people responded to a particular situation. There really is no right or wrong here just two different people being honest with their feelings at the time.

This is one of the examples of how we know that Scripture is true and accurate, because it is honest. It is not a Hollywood production of life portraying only what we would want to see, but is found to portray real people and real life to us, giving all the details of what happened, good and bad so to speak. In doing so here, we find it demonstrating our need for Jesus…even if He does not react as expected.

In v. 20 we see Mary react to Jesus’ coming in an unexpected way. Martha went to see Jesus, but Mary chose not to. Why? Did she not know that He had now arrived? This is unlikely. In v. 20 it tells us that the word of Jesus’ coming had reached Martha. In this time of crisis and bereavement it is likely that Mary and Martha were not far from each other and at least would have let each other know where they were in case they needed the other. In all likelihood Mary also knew that Jesus was in the area. However, she chose not to go see Him. we could ask the question why?

In considering the possibilities for Mary’s response it is likely that Mary was not only deeply mourning the passing of Lazarus, but was also not sure about her confidence in Jesus and His abilities right now. To be honest, both Mary and Martha had expected Jesus to drop what He was doing and come and fix their real life problem. He didn’t.

First of all He delayed in coming in a time of crisis when a good friend who was close would have come right away. This probably caused both Mary and Martha to question the closeness of their relationship that they perceived that they had with Jesus. In their heart they honestly believed that Jesus not only could have healed Lazarus, but would have. Jesus had at least given them the impression and encouraged them to believe that Lazarus and their family were special to Him. But, from Mary’s point of view Jesus had let them down on all accounts, and right now, at this moment, she did not know what to believe concerning Him or their relationship.

In looking at Mary’s reaction to this situation it is important to realize that this is not an uncommon reaction for us when God does not come through as we expect Him too, especially in the bigger things in life. Here we see in this passage that Jesus had built this relationship of trust and belief with those mentioned here. In their times spent together in the past He would have taught and instructed them to trust in Him and God the Father in times such as this. They had also seen Him in action fixing situations such as this prior to this for many others. It would be only natural to ask “Why not us?” They believed His teachings. They had expectations. From their perspective He had let them down. Mary was confused and did not know what to think. Let’s be honest at this point, it is likely that Mary was at least disappointed at this point with Jesus, v. 20, and possibly may have also been even angry with Him.

Before we are too critical of Mary it must be said that this is a common response by us when we face situations that we believe that Jesus should have shown up for and He didn’t perform as expected. It would be very easy to be too critical of Mary for her response here in v. 20 unless we were honest with ourselves and put ourselves in her shoes so to speak and realized that our response in all probability would have been much like hers. Mary’s response was an honest one and so was Martha’s, they were both just different people.

It is important to remember this when those that we encounter are at the moment being honest with their feelings saying that they are disappointed with God’s response in a difficult situation. Mary’s response does not make her a lesser or inferior Christian. Mary and Martha both had questions for Jesus. No one could argue Mary’s dedication and devotion to the Savior. We must remember that it was this same Mary, Jn. 12:1-3, that fell before Jesus and washed His feet with her tears anointing His feet with very expensive and precious oil in preparation for His burial as an act of worship.

In v. 21 we see their faith and also their expectation of Him as a family when Mary’s sister Martha first meets Jesus after her brother’s death essentially expressing to Jesus their expectation of what they thought He would do for them. Although this is Martha speaking to Jesus in v. 21 we can be sure that it was Mary’s expectation also, v. 32. We know the end of the story and in reading this passage could assure Mary that Jesus will come through and is working out a better ending, but from Mary’s perspective right now Jesus let her down and it is just ‘difficult’.

In v. 21 God, Jesus, begins to assure Martha’s heart that He is not finished yet and that she should not judge the final outcome yet. No matter what we are facing He assures us of the same. He will come through. He will do right.

In v. 21 He assures Martha that there is more to come. This is the age old difficulty concerning death,…it looks so final. In the next few verses what we see is not just a dialog between Martha and Jesus, but we should view their conversation essentially as a time of prayer between Martha and God. Martha has come to commune with God. She has come to Him with a burden that is overwhelming her. She is puzzled concerning how faith in God actually works out in ‘real’ life. She is also coming to Him with a request that at the time was unrealistic and improbable. Again, we must remember that those found here are not privy to the end of the story yet. However, in looking at Martha’s request we get an insight into her level of faith in Jesus at this time. She saw him as the author of Life and ,by her request, the source of resurrection.

In viewing this dialog that Martha has with Jesus one might be reluctant to see this as different from the conversations that we might have with Jesus in our prayer times. However, even though it is different, Jesus/God being present bodily, it is not supposed to be different if we view God through the eyes of faith properly. The impression given in Scripture is that after Jesus’ resurrection and with the advent of the Holy Spirit’s coming we are suppose to not be left alone at all anymore, God being present with us always. Our position, if looking at it through God’s eyes, is even more new and improved even more than the examples seen here in the Gospels. Mary and Martha would have wanted a little more ‘very Present God’ a couple of days earlier when they made their request to Jesus. However, the Bible assures us that He is with us always and unlike what they had experienced He never leaves us.

In v. 21 and 22 Martha seeing from her perspective what see thinks is the final outcome concerning her brother has some questions for Jesus. She has come to the realization that her brother Lazarus is indeed dead. However, she holds on to the promises that Jesus and Old Testament prophecies made to her concerning the resurrection.

In these two verses there is a mix of emotions. In her initial encounter with Jesus she had some questions concerning realities at the moment in her life and some of her expectations, which included the promises concerning their close relationship and also promises concerning the Kingdom. She had seen what Jesus had done for others. One of her biggest questions was ‘Why not her?’  Why did her brother whom Jesus loved very much have to die?

However, even with her questions and her inability to answer them we see her continue to express her faith in Jesus, His promises, and their relationship. She tells Jesus that she knows that He would have acted upon this if He had been there. But, in v. 22 we see her go one step further in her faith. She tells Him that she believes that even now He could, if He chose to, bring her brother back and raise him from the dead. In doing so she was not testing their relationship asking Him to do her this special favor, but in doing so we see her express faith in Him as the Messiah as the source of the resurrection. This indeed is a bold request from Martha again demonstrating her faith in Him.

In v. 23 Jesus tests her faith reminding her of the promise of the resurrection assuring her that Lazarus will indeed rise again. However, He does not give her all the details of where and when. At this point she has no idea of what is about to happen. She believes that He is reminding her of the Promise given to all believers. To her Jesus’ response to her request in v. 23 appeared to be a no for the present and affirms the promises that she knows to be true concerning the resurrection.

But, in vs. 25 and 26 Jesus responds with a response that must have even surprised Martha. He brings her back to her faith in Him that she had expressed in vs. 21-2 in essence assuring her that what she had expressed as her belief in Him was indeed accurate. He assures her that her faith is placed appropriately and He seemingly encourages her not to abandon her initial request of asking Him to move on her behalf in a supernatural way. However, in doing so He prompts her to crystallize her understanding of the resurrection and Who is fully responsible for this great event.

In doing so Jesus states a foundational truth about Himself and helps her to see more clearly not only what she is asking Him to do, but also Who it is she is asking to work on her behalf. In essence He is asking her what she actually believes about Him. In asking Martha this question we find that He is also asking us the same question.

In v. 27 we see her response to His question. Martha has it right. She knows where her faith is placed and why she could indeed make such a request. Jesus was not just a close family or personal friend. He was her Messiah and Savior, the One that was her Hope, the Prophesied One.

Jesus did not tell her what He was going to do, but for some reason when she acknowledged to Jesus and too herself her faith in Him as to who He was she was all set. In doing so she found peace concerning the situation. It is important again to realize that her peace concerning the situation did not come from getting a ‘yes’ to her request concerning her brother. God’s answer to her request came back to her as a question assuring her that her peace in life is actually found in acknowledging and believing in who He is. Once she acknowledged His Lordship she went her way satisfied that Jesus would take care of the situation. She left now having the answer to her prayer from the Savior.

Now she hastens to go help her sister find the same assurance and peace, v.28. At this point Mary was still at home trying to make sense of it all. At this time she was still confused as to what had happened. Again, she had expected more from her close relationship with the Savior. He had healed so many others. She was still confused as to the details as to how it all went down. His delay in coming in her mind initiated her brother’s death. She needed to be reassured that the Savior still cared for and about them.

In v. 28 we see that Martha reassures Mary of this by telling her that the Master was specifically asking for her wanting to see her. We see that Martha, however, does this privately, apparently keeping a low profile concerning their relationship and connection with Jesus because of the presence of the Jews. All Mary needed was to hear the Master call her name, even if it came through Martha. After hearing this she arose quickly and went to Him now being reassured that He did indeed care.

But, something unexpected happens. The Jews that were there to comfort her made the assumption because she had left so quickly that she was going to the grave site to mourn her brother’s loss and decided to go with her. They had no idea that she was headed to see Jesus.

In v. 32 Mary arrives at Jesus. Her first response upon seeing Him was to fall at His feet and worship Him. This is important for it gives us insight into their relationship. Even though she and Jesus had a close relationship, her relationship with Him was not what would be referred to as a casual one. We see that both her and her sister Martha had the right relationship with Him reverencing Him as God and Master. Not too long from now we will see her again at Jesus’ feet honoring Him with worship wiping His feet with tears showing us again what was in her heart. These were great Christian people.