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The spectre of death

Text: John 11 : 17-44

THE SPECTER OF DEATH

While Jesus described “death” as mere “sleep” we must not think that Jesus did not have any regard for the devastating power of death. Thomas had answered too glibly when he spoke as he did.

Perhaps, he reasoned out that going into Judea at this point of time was dangerous, for the Jews could stage a riot and they could all be killed. But since Jesus regarded death as “sleep” then there shouldn’t be any fear at all. He was prepared to die if needs be. Perhaps, he had some understanding of why Jesus was going to return to Judea even though there was a high element of risk involved at this time. Nevertheless, Thomas appeared to have lacked that gentle sensitivity that should come with knowledge and understanding. John did not record the response of Jesus to the words of Thomas. Sometimes, His silence speaks volumes!

Death was not an enemy to be feared. Nevertheless it was a foe that must be respected. One does not trivialize the specter of death. John calmly described the way Jesus handled the powerful emotions that attend the bereaved when death strikes.

THE SENSE OF HELPLESSNESS THAT PREVAILS

Death seems so powerful. One is virtually devastated when the life of a beloved is taken away. Mary and Martha had sent an urgent message to Jesus, in the hope that He would respond out of love for them as a family. However, Jesus had not come. He gave no word to the messengers that He would heal Lazarus. If Jesus had but said a word concerning Lazarus, as He did in the case of the second miracle performed in Cana of Galilee, when He healed the son of the nobleman, then Lazarus would not have died!

Jesus had finally come to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. Had He come too late? Had He come only to pay His last respects to the family?

“So when Jesus came, He found that he had
already been in the tomb four days.”
John 11:17

Why had Jesus delayed in coming? Only His immediate Disciples had any idea as to why Jesus did not respond immediately. The family of the late Lazarus was apparently very well liked. Many turned up to give their condolences to the bereaved family. The sense of helplessness, perhaps even hopelessness seemed to prevail, even though human words of comfort and condolences were offered.

“Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two
miles away. And many of the Jews had joined
the women around Martha and Mary,
to comfort them concerning their brother.”
John 11:18-19

Perhaps there was some comfort drawn from the many people who came. But there was no mistaking the sense of emptiness that prevailed despite every effort made to comfort the bereaved family.

A GENTLE REPROACH

News had reached the bereaved family. Martha and Mary received information that Jesus had finally come! The two sisters responded almost typically. True to her disposition and nature, Martha made her way to see Jesus. John recorded this tearful scene.

“Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was
coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in
the house. Now Martha said to Jesus,
‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
But even now I know that whatever You ask of God,
God will give You.'”
John 11:20-22

The words of Martha contained the slightest hint of reproach. Why had not Jesus come when they sent word to Him? Why had He delayed so badly, that their brother was now dead and buried in a tomb? The words rushed out of her mouth because her heart was broken at the thought of her brother’s death. She was not prepared for his death. She loved him so much that she could not accept his death!

Could Jesus help her even now? Deep in her heart, she believed that Jesus could help. If only Jesus would pray and ask God, His request would not be denied. She hinted strongly that Jesus should ask God to give her brother back to her! Her thoughts were so earth-bound! There was faith in her heart, but it was so confined. She thought of life only with reference to this earth.

Gently Jesus spoke to her and said,

“Your brother will rise again.”
John 11:23

Martha must have thought that Jesus was trying to comfort her as others had attempted. She replied,

“I know that he will rise again in the resurrection
at the last day.”
John 11:24

Martha had her theology right. She expressed that she knew about the final resurrection of the righteous. She believed that her brother would be one of those who would rise up at the last day. However, she had misunderstood what Jesus meant. Jesus was not discussing theology with her at this point of time. He had taken up what Martha had said. If Jesus were to ask anything from God, the Lord would grant that request to Him. Did Martha really believe that? Apparently not! Theoretical faith and actual faith are not always the same. Martha needed further depth of knowledge and trust in Jesus.