Main Thought
In John 11, a story unfolds in the tension between hope and heartbreak. Lazarus has died. Martha and Mary are grieving. They know Jesus has the power to heal, but it seemed that He arrived too late. Yet God was working while they were waiting. Jesus didn’t delay because of indifference - but to reveal something incredible. God was going to impart faith and inspire worship.
Martha’s response reveals the posture of faith that allows us to meet God in the middle of doubt and uncertainty. She said: “But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Faith speaks even before the outcome is visible. In the midst of their grief, Jesus demonstrated that lament and thanksgiving can be forms of worship. He wept with those who mourned, and He thanked the Father. Jesus then called for the stone to be moved before Lazarus walked out of the grave. Breakthrough began when the stone started to move. When we trust in Jesus, we can worship Him honestly - in a way that includes lament and thanksgiving - while believing that God is at work.
Main Passages
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
- John 11:21-26
“Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
- John 11:39-40
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
- Romans 8:28
Discussion Questions
In John 11, Jesus delayed going to Lazarus even though He loved the family. Have you ever experienced a season where God seemed late or silent? Looking back, can you see ways God may have been working during that time?
Jesus showed us that we can worship when we lament, when we give thanks, and everything in between. When is it easy for you to worship God? When it is hard?
Jesus told the people to move the stone before Lazarus came out of the tomb. Why do you think Jesus asked them to participate in this step of faith and trust? What “stone” might God be asking you to move in faith right now?