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| Gospel John 11:19-27 |
19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Historical Background
The passage takes place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, during a time of mourning for Lazarus, who had died four days earlier. Mourners gathered to console the family, reflecting Jewish traditions of communal grieving.
Jesus’ arrival and timing of being delayed by two days was intentional, allowing for a greater revelation of His divine power. Martha steps forward to meet Jesus, showing initiative and faith, while Mary remains inside, overwhelmed by grief.
Theological Context
Eschatological hope: The passage bridges Jewish belief in a final resurrection with the Christian understanding of eternal life through Christ.
Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life” (v.25), revealing His divine authority over death and His role as the source of eternal life. He meets Martha’s grief with truth and comfort, showing that faith and sorrow can coexist.
Martha affirms belief in the future resurrection, but Jesus redirects her to a present reality—resurrection is not just an event, but a person.
Learning Lessons
We should have faith even in times of sorrow, not allowing our grief to hinder our belief. We can approach Jesus with our pain and still trust His promises. Jesus engages with us at all times regardless of our emotional and spiritual condition.
Resurrection isn’t just a future event—it’s a present reality in Christ. Martha’s declaration (“I believe that you are the Christ”) is a model of faith for all believers.
The Voice That Calls Beyond the Grave
In Bethany’s hush, where sorrow lay deep,
A sister stood firm though her heart dared to weep.
“If You had been here,” her trembling voice cried,
Yet faith held her fast though her brother had died.
“I know,” she confessed, “God hears what You say,”
A flicker of hope in the shadow of day.
Then came the reply, both gentle and bold:
“I am the Life, the Resurrection foretold.”
No tomb can contain what His word will release,
No grief can outlast His promise of peace.
So rise, weary soul, from despair’s heavy night—
The Christ walks beside you, the world’s living Light.
Lord Jesus,
Resurrection and Life, You meet us in our grief and speak truth into our sorrow. You do not rush our pain, but gently call us to believe.
In moments of loss, remind us that You are near— Not only in the promise of eternity, but in the presence of today. Strengthen our faith like Martha’s, that we may confess with boldness: You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who has come into the world.
Raise what is broken within us, call forth what is buried in fear, and breathe Your life into every place where death once reigned.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Book of Signs
THE RAISING OF LAZARUS
John 11:1-44
Gospel Acclamation
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
Reflection Source
Conversation with Copilot
