Did Mary And Martha Believe?

Hello To All:

It is time to return to John chapter 11, as we continue to search for a true understanding of why Jesus wept. Let us be reminded of a portion of verse 32, of John chapter 8: "...the truth shall make you free."

In our last posting, on this matter (see "To The Intent Ye May Believe"), one of the things that we did, was to examine the attitude of the disciples, with regards to Jesus. We came to the compelling conclusion, that the disciples believed Jesus for who He is; and, they also believed Jesus, for what He would and could do in the future. They were not able to believe Jesus for what He could do, in the here and now. They found their present situation hopeless. The only thing, that they could think of doing, was expressed in the words of Thomas: "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (verse 16).

The situation, for Mary and Martha was very similar. Martha believed Jesus for who He is (verse 27); and she believed Jesus for what He could and would do in the future (verse 24); but, neither Mary (verse 32), or Martha (verse 21), could believe Him for a supernatural and miraculous intervention, into their present calamity. They did not have any hope for victory. In the moment of their grief and sorrow, they did not believe.

Our text, for today's posting is John 11:21-27, where we find written: (21) Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (22) But I know, that even now whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. (23) Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. (24) Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. (25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (26) And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (27) She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

The first thing, that Martha says is (paraphrased): Jesus, if you would have come, when we asked you to come, Lazarus would be alive. Mary says exactly the same thing in verse 32.

Now, my beloved, please do not be too quick to think that I am out of line, regarding the paraphrase of what Martha and Mary, first said to Jesus. Let us look at the context of their meetings with Jesus. In verse 6 we find written: "When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was." Let us be reminded of God's sovereign intent, for the delay. It is written, at verse 15: "And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe." Jesus sovereignly delayed His departure for two days. The intentional reality, of His delay, was so the disciples might believe.

The time-line is very important to our understanding of the true meaning of why Jesus wept. The time-line, is also very important to our understanding of the accuracy of my paraphrase. Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus (verse 3). When they sent the message, Lazarus was sick and still alive (verse 3). Thus, they knew where Jesus was and they knew when He received the message; and they also knew how long it would take Him to travel from where He was to where they were. The intentional delay, in the departure of Jesus, caused Him to arrive two days later then they expected.

Their expectations were not in harmony with God's plan; but, they were not able to see that reality. From their perspective, Jesus was late. Their brother was dead; and they were not happy. From the perspective of Jesus, He was exactly on time.

Again, before you are too quick to think badly of this explanation; look to the text. When Jesus arrives, neither Martha or Mary greet Him. They do not thank Him for coming. They do not welcome Him, in any way. They do not embrace Him; nor do they seek to draw Him into their grief and sorrow. In the midst of their sorrow, the only thing, that they can think to do is to gently rebuke their friend and say: "...if thou hadst been here.." They were without hope and they did not believe.

Returning to the time-line, we find written at verse 39: "Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days." Our Lord Jesus Christ, with His intentional two day delay, purposed to arrive, when it would be proclaimed, regarding Lazarus: "...he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days." Thus, when Lazarus was raised up, there could be no doubt, in any one's mind, regarding the how. Lazarus was clearly dead - "he stinketh" - "he hath been dead four days." All of those present heard these words. All of those present knew, with certainty, that Lazarus was dead. Thus, when Lazarus was raised up, The Son of God, Jesus Christ, would receive all of the glory; and God our Father would be glorified through His Son. Let us be reminded of Christ's words to His Father, recorded in verse 42: "...that they may believe that thou hast sent me."

Mary and Martha were not able to believe, because their brother was dead. Jesus, on the other hand, was intending to use the occasion of the death of Lazarus, to create an epiphany moment, that would cause, not only Mary and Martha to believe; but it would also cause many, of those present, to believe. Can we say thank you Jesus!

Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:

Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus