Martha has gone out to meet Jesus as he finally arrives 4 days after Lazarus has died. According to Jewish tradition Lazarus is now considered legally dead. In the midst of grief we hear Martha confess what she believes. Martha’s creed proclaims that Jesus is the healer, the One who could ask and receive from God, the Giver of eternal life, the Messiah, Son of God, the One who came to the world from God. Without extra mourners crowding the space you are invited to enter and listen in to this private conversation.
Where are you personally hearing word that Jesus is coming?
John 11:17-27 (NLT)
When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. 18 Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss. 20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”
23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.”
25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
Was there any particular emotion which emerged as you listened to the scripture? Talk it over with Jesus in your prayer.
Where are you currently finding life? Where is life being drained from you? Bring this refection into conversation with God.
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God.
