Jesus and the death of Lazarus

"The sisters [Martha and Mary] sent to Jesus saying : Lord, behold, he whom you love is sick ... Jesus then said openly [to those around him] : Lazarus is dead ... When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him ; but Mary sat in the house." John 11. 3, 14, 20

How to live with Jesus the departure of a loved one ? Martha and Mary have experienced this : they called upon Jesus when they saw their brother Lazarus very sick ; but Jesus arrived when they began to mourn.

The two sisters' prayers are touching : they simply present their sorrow and misunderstanding to Jesus. The two sisters adopt different behaviors : Martha goes to meet Jesus, while Mary stays at home. This corresponds to their different characters; Jesus responds to each according to his own needs.

Martha wishes to speak and reproaches even Jesus for being late (v.21). It is a way of expressing confidence in the power of Jesus. Jesus encourages him by revealing himself as the one who is "resurrection and life" (verse 25) and calls him to trust. This exchange brings Marthe to know him better : "Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who comes into the world" (verse 27).

Mary, who preferred to remain alone, welcomes the Lord with the same reproach as her sister. She seems to confine herself to her sorrow : she cries (v.33). Jesus then showed him his sympathy : "He shuddered in his spirit and was troubled ... he cried" (v.33-35). He shows his respect for his pain ; he is "deeply indignant and upset" (Segond 21) before the consequences of sin : death, sadness, broken relationships. Crying with Mary, he also shows all his affection.

The physical presence of Jesus with Martha and Mary, then the miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus certainly give a particular dimension to this mourning. As for us, we are encouraged because Jesus promised his presence - invisible but real - with us every day.

This story shows us the closeness of Jesus to those who are in pain. Let us feel his power, his authority and his love when he addresses Lazarus : "Lazarus, come here, outside !" (V.43). It is a double encouragement when one goes through a mourning in the family of God : to feel his closeness and his compassion and to know that he welcomes the one we have lost.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)