Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

John 11:1-4

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Today, June 29, the church remember Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  They are mentioned a few times in relation to Jesus’ ministry.  In fact, it is just a little confusing because, especially the name Mary, is common and sometimes there is a question if all the references are to the same person.  However, in John 11 we have all three noted together, and so today I will use this text for our meditation.

There are a few things that are a little troubling about this text.  First of all, though it seems that this family is special to the Lord, Jesus didn’t seem alarmed when He heard of Lazarus’s serious illness.  Instead, He lingered for two more days where they were.  At last, when they came to their town, Bethany, Lazarus had already died.  They were too late!

Disappointment could not be avoided.  Sorrow was everywhere.  Lazarus was already buried.  Still, Mary and Martha believed in the Lord Jesus.  The disciples who had followed Jesus to Bethany, just outside of Jerusalem, feared what might happen because Jesus had been predicting His death.   So, in the midst of this hopeless situation, God brought a miracle of life.  Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

This miraculous sign was a joy to Mary and Martha, and certainly amazed all the people who came to mourn a death and not witness a resurrection.  But, to others, the challenge of God’s power in Jesus was the last straw.  Jesus’ enemies saw in this miracle the most compelling reason yet to arrest and execute Jesus.

This pattern continues to this day.  Whenever the gifts of God are received in faith, the evil one is enraged.  But we shall not fear.  For the evil one is defeated already through Jesus resurrection and will be utterly defeated at Jesus’ return.  For this reason all that the evil one does (frightening as it often seems) will only serve to further God’s plan of salvation.

This is what we witnessed in Jesus’ ministry. His enemies plans, including Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion and death became the centerpiece of our salvation.  Through faith in Jesus our sins are forgiven.  Through the baptism that Jesus commanded, we are made one with Him and His resurrection on the third day.  

We rejoice today, that as God’s baptized children we will stand together with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus at the resurrection.  And we give thanks also today as we remember these fellow believers.  They continued steadfast through great trials and were sustained by their Lord Jesus.  And as they remained faithful, may God also grant us His Grace and faith throughout our lives.  

Let us pray

I thank you Lord Jesus Christ for your faithful love for your saints, and especially for the witness of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  Help me to bear witness to your Gospel in all seasons of my life.  Especially help me to glorify you during times of mourning, for I know that in you is resurrection and eternal life.  

In your Name I pray, AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.