Have you ever felt you are in a seemingly hopeless situation? I’m sure that’s how Martha and Mary felt too. By the time Jesus arrived Lazarus had been four days in the tomb. If ever there was a seemingly hopeless situations this was it.
Martha believed if Jesus had been there this would not have happened. There is an element of accusation in her words, John 11:21. It is followed by an affirmation of faith, verse 22. Jesus encourages that faith, bringing it to a higher lever, verses 25-27. Mary’s response is similar to that of Martha, verse 32.
Jesus is moved to tears. At this point others also begin to question why Jesus had not saved his friend and prevented his death, verse 37. But God had a greater plan.
Jesus orders the stone to be removed. He encourages belief in those at the tomb with his words, verses 41-42. Then he calls Lazarus out. I’m sure at this point you could have heard a pin drop, as the crowd waits in expectation. To the amazement of all Lazarus, still bound, walks out of the tomb and Jesus orders him released from the funeral cloths, verse 44.
At this point many believed, verse 45. Others remained unconvinced, verse 46. Some people, it doesn’t matter what they hear or see their hearts are hardened to what God would reveal to them. I hope you are not one of those people.
The Pharisees recognized this as a sign of the power of Jesus, yet still could not see past their jealousy to accept the truth, verses 47-48. Do we ever let jealousy cloud our eyes to things God would teach us?
Instead of belief, the Pharisees planned to kill Jesus, verse 53. But in reality their plan was only a fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation, John 3:16. That rescue plan involved the path of suffering for Jesus. Let’s remember that next time we are questioning God and wondering why things aren’t working out for us.
Remember that sometimes God has a plan and purpose we know nothing about and that plan and purpose may lead us through the path of suffering but Jesus will be with us to help us cope and come through the other side victorious. Of course that’s also not to say that sometimes we may also need to seek medical or professional help as well. That may be part of how God helps us deal with the situation and the way out He has provided.
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