Mary and Martha

Then, with a powerful voice, Jesus cried, “Lazarus, come out!”

Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived in the quiet village of Bethany, a day’s journey from Jerusalem. When their brother fell gravely ill, the sisters sent an urgent message to Jesus, who was in the city. Time passed, and they wondered why he had not come to heal their brother. Then, by God’s will, Lazarus fell asleep.

As was the custom, villagers and synagogue members had prepared a meal of consolation after the entombment.1 Their hearts heavy with sorrow, the sisters longed to hear the voice of Jesus, yearning for the peace and comfort of His words.

On the fourth day of Lazarus’s death, Jesus arrived. Martha hurried to meet him. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”2 (John 11:21-22) Martha knew she would see her brother again in “the resurrection at the last day.” (v. 24).

It was now about a week before the Passover and crucifixion. After speaking with Jesus, she returned to Mary and softly whispered, “The Teacher is here, and is asking for you.” (v. 28). They exchanged a glance, fully aware of the tension surrounding Jesus, especially because of death threats from the religious authorities. Discretion was essential.

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was, she fell at his feet and filled with emotion, and she cried, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (v. 32) In other words, “Where were you in my grief when I needed you most?!”

As Jesus, his disciples, and the mourners approached the tomb, some Jews questioned why he had not intervened to heal Lazarus. “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind have kept this man from dying?” (v. 37). Their whispers of doubt deepened the tension.

“Remove the stone” (v. 39 NASB) Jesus commanded. A gasp rippled through the crowd, and then deep silence filled the air until Martha replied, “But, Lord, four days have passed; the smell will be unbearable.” (v. 39 NASB). Where was her faith? Even in the presence of Jesus, Martha hesitated to fully trust in his power as the Son of God. Her doubt revealed a gap between her faith and her words. Gently, Jesus reminded her, “Didn’t I tell you if you believe, you will see the glory of God? I am the resurrection and the life.” Martha humbled, bowed her head in silence.

It was then she recalled a previous visit with Jesus and his disciples. Martha had been very busy with meal preparations and serving their guests, while Mary enjoyed time with her Lord. Martha was quite upset and expressed her annoyance to Jesus. She was insistent in demanding that her duties be fully shared by her sister. He listened and understood her grievance and then replied. “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed. Mary has chosen what is better.” (Luke 10:41-42).

At that moment, she heard the stone rolling away and remarkably, there was no foul odor. Jesus looked upward and prayed, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” (John 11:41-42).

Then, with a powerful voice, He called out, “Lazarus, come out!” (v. 43).

A silence fell over the crowd as a faint shuffling sound echoed from the tomb. They stood motionless, wide-eyed with fear as a figure slowly emerged. In a moment, several rushed forward to remove the burial wrappings. Lazarus’s body showed no signs of decay. Even among the harshest critics, there could be no doubt that Lazarus was certainly dead before being raised.

In reverence, Lazarus prepared to kneel before his Lord but was instead drawn into a tender, warm embrace by Jesus. Moved by that moment, those around them began embracing one another. Some were still grappling with doubt, while others were overcome with awe, their hearts filled with joy as they marveled at the miracle unfolding. Mary and Martha now understood why Jesus delayed. This extraordinary miracle further glorified his Father and would bring many to believe.

The sisters clung to their brother, their hearts overflowing with joy as they walked home alongside Jesus. Yet, a sense of unease fell over Martha. She noticed a group of Jewish officials nearby, whispering among themselves. There was no doubt in her mind they were already plotting to report to the Jewish council what they had seen.

A week later, a large crowd of Jews learned Jesus was approaching Jerusalem. They waited to see him and the man who had been raised from the dead. The chief priests were alarmed by the growing influence since the resurrection.3 Interestingly, the Jewish leaders had not pursued the deaths of others who had been raised from the dead. This particular miracle provoked a powerful reaction as it threatened their authority. Lazarus’ resurrection was undeniable evidence of a miraculous event, and yet the priests plotted to put him to death to eliminate this proof. 4 

What can we learn from this dramatic account? We have been privileged to see these two women, both quite different in temperament, mutually share a love of God’s Son. Martha, the organizer, was taught by Jesus that there are higher things that must be prioritized above her present goals, like time spent with him and putting spiritual understanding into everything she does. While Mary expressed her faith differently, she dropped her lesser responsibilities, burdening her sister and others.

Their spiritual growth became an anchor as they endured the heartbreak of Jesus’ trial. They witnessed their beloved Lord’s grievous suffering at Calvary, their faith sustaining them through the darkest hours. Their love for God and His Son inspires us to unite in purpose, setting aside distractions that could lead us astray and separate us. By being mindful of our fellow believers, we can walk together purposefully, anticipating His return.

The late Leo Houben,
Bay of Plenty Ecclesia, NZ,
and Patricia Ferguson,
former member of the now closed Orangeville Ecclesia, ON