April 19

Love's Confidence!

So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” — John 11:3 BSB

With the passage of time, the Apostle John was able to pull back the curtain on the happy friendship and fellowship that Jesus enjoyed at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany. It was the one green oasis in the wilderness of suffering and rejection that He journeyed through on His way to the Cross.

There were different personalities in that home: Martha, practical and energetic, always thinking of the comfort of others; Mary, spiritually sensitive and deeply sympathetic; and Lazarus, probably a quiet and unobtrusive man. Jesus loved each of them (John 11:5).

The sisters never doubted that Jesus would hurry to save Lazarus once they sent word of his illness. Only infinite love could have waited, holding back the natural impulse to rush to His friends' aid, allowing pain to finish its work. Jesus wanted to teach His disciples unforgettable lessons, and He also desired to strengthen the faith of Mary and Martha.

This chapter might more aptly be called "The Raising of Martha," for Jesus led her, in all her practicality, to realize that He is the Resurrection and the Life. He insisted that her faith was a necessary condition for Lazarus’ resurrection, placing the emphasis on her personal belief (John 11:40). Jesus often requires the co-operation of a true heart when He works a miracle, and in this case, He chose the least likely of the two sisters to be the anchor of faith. As she consented to have the stone removed from her brother’s tomb, her faith suddenly became capable of claiming Christ’s greatest miracle.

Jesus also calls us to help our brethren. Many who have received new life from Christ are still bound by old habits and associations, and He asks us to "loose them and let them go." He seeks our co-operation in freeing those who have been under the power of sin.

Prayer

O God, we are grateful that we can turn to You in times of great anxiety and commit our troubles to Your sure help. As You are with us in the light, be with us in the storm. Let the comfort of Jesus Christ fill our hearts with peace. Amen.