RebornSample

So You Would Believe

As John 11 opens, we see it was a tear-filled day in the town of Bethany. Mary and Martha had just lost their brother, Lazarus. He became sick and died within a matter of days. Grieving his death, they were joined at home by a group of mourners.

The two sisters were teeming with emotions, one of which was heartbreak. They were shocked and devastated. Lazarus’s illness came so quickly. In a moment, their world turned upside down.

But they had an advantage. They were close friends with Jesus, the Healer. They would call on Him. He would come. But Lazarus was dead before He got there. And buried. 

By the time Jesus reached Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Jesus waited on purpose, because there is always a purpose behind God’s plans. We don’t see it when we want to, but God reveals it when He wants to.

Then Jesus uttered the words that made the impossible possible: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die” (vv. 25–26).

Also notice that when Jesus arrived, Martha and Mary both ran out to meet Him (vv. 20, 29), but Mary’s posture was different. She fell at His feet. We cannot miss this: the place to go when we are confused and discouraged, when we are mad at God or filled with sadness, is the feet of Jesus. 

As Jesus made His way to the tomb, weeping, He asked Mary and Martha to take away the stone that sealed Lazarus’s grave. Then Jesus prayed to his Father (vv. 41–42). What He was about to do, He was doing so that they would believe in Him. Then Jesus said the words that would change everything: “Lazarus, come out!” (v. 43).

The people were astounded, because the moment Jesus uttered His command for the dead man to rise, it happened. A dead man drew in a resurrected breath.

For a miracle to take place, it must first be preceded by a situation that demands a miracle. We want the surprise of a resurrection and the celebration of answered prayer, but we’d rather dodge the situation that requires desperation. A miracle first requires a mess.

What miracle are you needing? Is there a mess you are unwilling to accept?