Death is hard. Loss is hard. This is especially true when those closest to us are the ones we lose.
In the Gospel of John, this type of loss occurred. Lazarus, a beloved brother and most likely the family’s provider became ill. Word was sent to Jesus to make Him aware. The sisters had faith. They knew Jesus. They had seen what He had done. They were aware of His miracles.
And yet, as their brother’s life slipped away, there was still no sign of Jesus. Where was He? Why was He not coming? All He would have to do is speak a word of healing and it would be so. And still – silence – leading to death.
Lazarus is prepared for burial. Still the sisters are watching and waiting for the Messiah to show up. He doesn’t.
Four days pass. And with each day, the hope that this is not a permanent death begin to fade. Four days. By now Lazarus’ body is beginning to decay.
If only Jesus had come! If only He had done something!
On the fourth day, Jesus finally shows up on the scene. He finds his friends grieving. Discouraged. Disappointed. Perhaps even a bit angry with Him.
And then one of the greatest displays of faith recorded in the scripture: “Martha said to Jesus, “LORD, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died…” If only you had been here. She knew Jesus’ love for her family. She knew His hands were capable. Oh, if only He would have done what only he could do – bring healing. But He didn’t. Martha’s words don’t end here, though. The most powerful words are still to come: “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:21-22) But even now… It is not too late, Jesus. You are tied to the Father, and I know He is still capable.
Friends, Martha believed that even death was less powerful than her God. This is before the resurrection. This is before death’s hold on man was broken once and for all. She still believed. It’s not too late. “But even now I know…” Martha refuses to get stuck in what she feels -loss, grief, disappointment- and keep her mind fixed on what she knows – nothing is impossible for Jesus.
“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me will never die. Do you believe this, Martha?”
“Yes, LORD,” she told Him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the One who has come into the world from God.” (John 11:25-27)
What an interaction. What a declaration of faith.
It is then that Jesus does what was humanly impossible. He and the party of mourners move to the place where the tomb is. Jesus instructs them to roll the stone away. There is confusion to be sure with this command. Why roll the stone? Jesus won’t want to be in there with dead Lazarus, He will become unclean! The smell will be strong!
The stench of death always is.
But Jesus is not the Messiah of death. He is the Messiah who brings life.
“So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here so that they will believe you sent me.” (John 11:41-42)
And then Jesus called to the tomb, “Lazarus, come out.” And the body of the dead man, dressed in burial cloth came forth. Alive.
Death has lost it’s sting. It too, must fall into obedience under the Word of God.
Friend, may we be reminded that even when life appears to be at it’s bleakest times – where hope seems to be melting away – we have a God who can do the impossible. One who sees our hurt, and hurts with us too. One whose hand is mighty to save, and provide for our every need.
Blessings!