Do You Believe?

  It is very difficult to believe in something you have never seen.  Then, there are things that come natural.  The sun rises and sets daily.  A dark cloud is sign of rain.  In July, we know the heat of summer is near.  However, anything unnatural is very hard to believe.  In John 11:1-47, we have the recorded incident of Lazarus’ death.  Jesus had a lesson for his followers, so they would believe that He is God’s Son.  Today, this is a question for us, “Do you believe?”

     In John 11, Jesus receives news that Lazarus is very ill.  Lazarus, Mary, and Martha are very dear friends of Jesus.  Jesus visited them often.  It is Mary who washed Jesus’ feet with expensive ointment and wiped his feet with her hair.  Martha cooked meals for Jesus and his disciples on several occasions.  John 11: 5 reads, “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.”  So, why didn’t Jesus rush to Bethany when he received news of Lazarus’ illness?

     We don’t understand why things happen.  Nor, we will not always understand why prayers are not answered our way.  Even with Jesus telling the disciples reason for lingering, they still did not understand that Lazarus was dead.  In their minds, they could not understand Jesus’ purpose.  Even with the lessons and actions of Jesus in John 12 through 19, the disciples did not understand until Jesus ascended into heaven.  It is hard to understand a prophecy until after it happens.  It could be our point of view or denial of the truth due to fear.

    Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, because they believed Jesus could heal Lazarus.  After receiving this news, Jesus said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” (4)  After waiting two days, Jesus left for Bethany.  At this time Jesus tells the disciples, “Lazarus is dead.  I’m glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent you may believe.” (14&15) 

    By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been in the grave four days. (17)  Just like today, family and friends gather to console the grieving.  Word arrived that Jesus was nearby, so Martha rushed to meet Jesus.  Martha, the one concerned with hospitality, confronted Jesus; “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But I know, even now, whatever you ask of God, God will give it to you.” (21&22)

     Now, this is a little bold.   Wait a second.  Martha was very bold, maybe, scornful.  “If only you were here.”  “If only Lazarus could have made it another week.”  Don’t you examine “what ifs”?  Why?  Is it a way we comfort ourselves?  Or, are we questioning God’s plan? 

     Jesus answered Martha, “Your brother will rise again.”

     Martha replied, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

     Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he is dead, yet shall he live.  And, whoever lives and believes in me shall not die.  Do you believe?

     Can’t you see it?  Martha slipped out her house without anyone noticing and ran to confront Jesus.  Face to face, Martha did not ask any questions.  Martha stated ‘the only if.’  Yes, so much like many of us.  Then, Jesus, looking into Martha’s grieved face asks, “Do you believe?”  “Do you believe that I am the resurrection and the life?  Do you believe if those who believe in me will never die?”  Now, eye to eye facing Jesus, Martha replied and I am sure there was no pause before her reply.

    “Yes, Lord:  I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”

     Then, Martha immediately went back to the house and “called Mary secretly” to let her know Jesus was on the way.  Her words to Mary show that she believes.

      “The Master is come and is asking for you.”

     Mary rushes to Jesus falling at his feet in tears.  Jesus weeps with her.  They go to the tomb and Jesus asks for the stone to be removed.  Again, Martha speaks, “Lord, he has been dead four days.  He stinks.”  Martha believes, but this is one of those things of nature – dead bodies stink after four days.  Now, Jesus asks Martha, “Didn’t I say to you if you would believe, you will see the glory of God?”

     Jesus prayed: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  And I know that you hear me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it , that they may believe that you have sent me.”

    Jesus calls Lazarus, and Lazarus comes.  Lazarus is alive. 

    Jesus’ purpose was “that they may believe” that God sent him.  He knew his time was near and wanted his friends and disciples to believe.  In verse 45, many believed, but some did not believe.  The ones who did not believe went to the Pharisees who were more concerned about their place with the Romans.  In verse 51, Caiaphas, the high priest, had earlier prophesied that “Jesus should die for that nation.”  In their concern for their place with the Romans and their place in government, they planned to put Jesus to death.  They were blinded with self-righteousness.  No, they could not believe. 

     The question we all must answer, “Do you believe?” 

     Without Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have no hope.  God had a plan from the beginning of time.  God’s plan is salvation through the sacrifice of His Son.  Jesus died.  On the third day, the tomb was empty, because Jesus lives and waits for you to believe.  It is difficult in this evil world, because Satan spreads many lies in the name of religion.  We don’t need religion; we have Jesus.  Just believe.