John 11:30-37
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In our last meditation we contemplated Martha’s faith in Jesus that went beyond the bounds of her understanding. Read today’s passage, John 11:30-37, noticing the differences in Martha’s and Mary’s encounters with Jesus.
Both sisters greet Jesus with the same grief-riddled declaration: “Lord, if only you had been here. my brother would not have died.” They both believe that Jesus could have healed Lazarus, but Martha’s trust in Jesus is still very much alive whereas Mary seems to think that all is lost.
We aren’t told exactly why Jesus becomes angry when he hears Mary’s statement and the wailing of the mourners with her, but it is interesting to note that Jesus says nothing in response to Mary’s display of hopelessness, whereas in response to Martha’s faith, Jesus reveals not only more about his identity but his immediate plan for raising Lazarus from the dead.
How do you respond to Jesus when your circumstances seem hopeless? Are you more likely to trust Jesus beyond what you can understand or are you more likely to blame God?
Talk to Jesus about this for a moment.
Read John 11:30-37 again focusing on the emotions of Jesus.
John tells us that Jesus becomes angry when he sees Mary and those with her weeping and wailing. Then John tells us that Jesus himself sheds tears. But we already know from what he told his disciples when news of Lazarus’ illness reached him that Jesus intends to raise Lazarus from the dead, so the source of his tears is certainly not sadness over the death of his friend.
Could it be that Jesus anger and sadness has to do with the inability of Mary and the mourners to trust him beyond their limited understanding? We know he loves Mary, so we can safely assume his anger is not condemnation, but Mary, blinded by her grief, seems unable to remember who Jesus is and what is possible because of who he is.
If Jesus is God, then nothing is impossible for him. Regardless of what we face, there is always hope beyond what we can see and understand.
Sit with this thought for a moment.
Consider asking Jesus to point out ways you might be blind to who he is and what is possible because of who he is.
Is there a circumstance in your life right now that seems completely hopeless? What is the invitation of Jesus to you today? What will you do about that?
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