July 16, 2023
A Promise Reminded
“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’” John 11:40 (NASB)
In jails throughout America, the sole reason for prisoners not committing suicide is hope. It is belief that one day things will be different, or those who will be with them one day. I have spoken to fathers over the years in jails who have said they can’t wait to get out of jail to see their kids. Others said they missed their wives so much that it wasn’t enough for them to see them through a glass window. They miss her touch. They need tangible experience. It’s what keeps them going. It’s sad, but also there is the other side of life when they are released. It is funny to watch a prisoner’s face when he is released and gets to hug his wife for the first time. He doesn’t know what to do. You can see the hesitation in their eyes and actions. They don’t know how to respond. Time separated them. Over time, they don’t know what to do anymore. Martha had already given in to Lazarus death. “Why would He want the grave opened?” It would stink. “Then I would have to see him again and be reminded of the pain I feel.”
“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say…” Jesus repeated this statement twice before in John 11:23, “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again,’” and again in verse 25-26, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?’” It was spoken twice, but grief overcame Martha’s emotions. Grief is a powerful and strong emotion. It can cloud the mind. It can also rob the prospect of hope. It absorbs the ability to function properly, whether in speech or action at times. It is normal though, and I believe Jesus knew it was present in Martha’s life. This is why He didn’t publicly admonish her while she fumbled around. But Martha hadn’t come to grips with the fact that the Restoration of Life was in her presence. It was available even for the hopeless corpse of Lazarus, but she hadn’t seen it. So Jesus reminded her of His statement by saying, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” The word “believe” is our familiar word seen over the last several months. It is pisteuō; to believe, or entrust. In this passage’s usage, it is compared to a contract or oath. This oath or contract is supported by power, whether through the arms, or probability of success by the person who will obey the oath or contract.[1] Either way, effort is involved in the belief. Jesus asked her, “Have you been with Me all this time when I asked you to believe, and do you still question that all things are possible if those who believe?” (Mark 9:23). Wouldn’t this raise her cries to excitement from His promise? “She had already said she believed (11:27), so the time had arrived for her to witness ‘the glory of God’ (11:40; cf. 11:4).”[2]
In our greatest times of grief, we all must trust and have hope. It is the backbone of our faith. It isn’t just by blind faith either. We draw this confidence and hope from God’s Word. It gives us hope, and Hope is a person. It is Jesus. He is the author of hope and life. He is also the life-giver to those who will trust in Him. When we receive Christ as Savior, we tell God we believe. Now is the time for us to witness the Glory of God in His miracle of resurrection!
[1] Thomas, R. L. (1998). In New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : updated edition. Foundation Publications, Inc.
[2] Borchert, G. L. (1996). John 1–11 (Vol. 25A, p. 362). Broadman & Holman Publishers.