Resurrection Hope Beside Real Tears

Before Jesus calls Lazarus from the tomb in John 11, he meets the grief of Martha and Mary. Martha believes in a future resurrection, but Jesus directs her attention to himself as the resurrection and the life. Her hope is not merely an event on a distant day; it rests in the person standing before her. Yet this revelation does not make tears unnecessary. When Mary comes weeping, Jesus is troubled and weeps too. The one who will command Lazarus to come out does not treat the family’s sorrow as foolish. For these sisters, his power and affection meet in the same encounter. For us, the chapter gives reason both to ask boldly for his miraculous intervention and to grieve honestly before him. Lazarus’s raising reveals Jesus’ authority over death; it is not a timetable promising that every bereavement will be reversed now.

Put the Word into practice

Bring one specific grief to Jesus without softening it. Tell him what hurts, then express your trust that resurrection life rests in him even where you cannot yet see his answer.

Search the Scripture

How do Jesus’ words to Martha and his tears with Mary together shape the way I bring grief to him?

A prayerful response

Jesus, meet me in the sorrow I cannot resolve. Thank you that your power does not make you distant from human tears. I ask for your mighty help, and I place my hope in you, the giver of life.