2. Where Were You?

Slide 2 of 6

We read the second part of Martha’s story in John 11. Her brother, Lazarus, had become very ill and the sisters sent word to Jesus. We can read between the lines that they hoped that, just as Jesus had healed so many, He would also heal their brother. 

This was more than just “sibling love,” which in and of itself is enough. Because we have no mention in the Bible of the parents of this trio, and because there is also no mention that Martha or Mary is married, we can assume that Lazarus was responsible for their wellbeing. Losing Lazarus was more than just losing a brother. This would have had even more significant repercussions.

But Jesus, after receiving the message, didn’t rush to them. Instead, He said to those with Him, “This sickness will not end in death” (John 11:4). Then He waited two more days after which time He said, “Now, let’s go back to Judea” (11:7). 

The disciples expressed concern; the last time they were in the region, the religious leaders had tried to stone Jesus.

Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has not light.”

The disciples must have given Jesus their best perplexed look, because He then plainly said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up” (11:11).

The puzzlement increased until Jesus was forced to say, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

And so, they went. And when they arrived in Bethany, they discovered that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Considering the burial practices and beliefs of their day, Jesus’ friend wasn’t just dead, he was “good and dead.” 

As soon as Martha heard that Jesus had neared Bethany, she ran out to meet him. “Lord,” she said (we have no indication that she even took a breath to say hello), “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (11:23).

Jesus assured her that her brother would rise again. She replied, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (11:24). Then Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (11: 25, 26).

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