Scripture
By Sister Brittenne Boykin
John 11:17-32
Today’s lesson text allows us a glimpse into the relational aspect of Christ’ ministry. Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus has died. His sisters, Mary and Martha lament the fact that had He been there, their brother would surely not have died. Christ assures them that he is indeed the resurrection (vs. 25) and belief in Him provides victory over death (vs.26).
The book of Revelation boldly declares Christ as the first and the last, further declaring that He was dead but lived forever more! (Revelation 1:18) In the related scriptures, John 5 :21-29.we see our Father gives us life and authority through Christ. What are these greater works of which the Lord Jesus speaks.? One is the work of giving spiritual life to men, and the other is the work of carrying out the final judgment.
We find Mary and Martha once again in Luke’s gospel (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was busy with the cares of the day and Mary choosing to sit at the feet of Jesus. Life in Christ provides victory over not only death but victory in every area of our life. Let us be like Mary choosing the better part which is Christ. We cast off the busyness of the day to recognize the moments where sweet fellowship can be had.
Synopsis
By Elder Janice Hall
This week’s lesson takes place almost two months after Jesus came to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. Mary and Martha did not presently know that Jesus was coming to give them hope for the future. Many of the Jews had joined the women around Mary and Martha. Martha was honest with her stating that she was disappointed that Jesus was so late. Jesus had a specific purpose with His arrival to glorify not only Himself but also His Father.
Jesus was thinking of the current situation but Martha’s thoughts led her to think of the future. We see the heart of the lesson is stated in John 11:25….” I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” Here we have the fifth of the seven” I am “ statements spoken by Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John. Jesus presented Himself as the conqueror over death. Jesus responded to Martha with compassion, sensitivity, kindness and truth even though she felt sorrow and disappointment.
Mary’s statement was not a complaint, instead an expression of confidence and regret. In the key scripture (vs.25), Jesus was claiming to be the source of both. There is no resurrection apart from Jesus Christ, and there is no eternal life apart from Him. Jesus was speaking of His divine nature. Jesus does more than give life; He is life; therefore death has no power over Him.
Practical Application
By Sister Pam Jones
In John 11:17-32, there are two sisters (Mary and Martha), and a deceased brother (Lazarus) in which there is sadness and weeping, but also faith and trust. Jesus was only two miles away when they sent for Him before their brother died. Yet it took Him four days to get there after he passed away. Jesus had a purpose for waiting, because God was going to get the glory out of Lazarus’ death, which would cause the disciples to have greater faith in Him. Just as He got the glory out of Lazarus’ death, He will also get the glory from our circumstances, the ones that we thought were “dead” and “hopeless.”
The Israelites shared that same hopelessness in Exodus 14:13, where God told them to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see no more forever.” They had their backs against the wall as they faced a sea on one side, and Pharaoh with his army closing in fast behind them on the other. Moses, Mary, and Martha’s faith did not waiver in the midst of their circumstances, and they yet trusted in The One who they knew had all power. They did their part by seeking out the one who they trusted would show up, and He did. The same is with us, as we must seek after Jesus, for He is the one who has all of the answers because He is the resurrection and the life.
When we’re going through tough times in our lives and don’t see an answer, or no way out, we cannot despair, or give up. He’s closer than we think, He’s on his way! He may not come when we want Him to, but trust me, He is a-l-w-a-y-s on time! He specializes in resolving a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g and e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g that we face in our lives. Bringing Lazarus back to life was not a hard thing for Him to do, and neither is our situation!
