“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Martha and Mary spoke these words (Jn 11:21, 32) but what do they mean, and what can we learn from their sorrow, and Jesus response? There should be no surprise that serious sorrow is part of life on earth, yet we are reminded that God makes a way for us (Jn 16:33). Martha and Mary have a very sick brother, and send for Jesus. Their brother dies soon after the request is sent, and four days after the death Jesus arrives. Their words, previously mentioned, may be familiar to many believers that have experienced heartbreak. It is common for bumps on the road of life to jar us enough to at least temporarily lose sight of where we’re going and what we’re doing.
Are they in denial? Do they express faith? What can we take away from this encounter between Jesus, and His grieving friends? Deep sorrow often involves some denial, as people come to grips with an overwhelmingly sad circumstance. It could be an untimely death, like in our referenced account, a house fire, or some other unwelcome and radically life altering event that seemingly binds our focus to the loss. As sadness washes over our heart and mind, waves of desire for a different outcome attempt to overwhelm us. “If only …” thoughts abound! Martha and Mary are surrounded by friends that share in their sadness, however, these are not their only thoughts of the two sisters.
They are missing Lazarus, and they’d like things to go back to what they were seems apparent. Also, we should note they have real faith! They believed in Jesus when He performed a host of miracles, and came to their home, and they continue to believe. They felt His love and have responded with giving theirs. They considered Him a friend (Lk 10:38-42; Jn 11:1-3; Jn 12:3). Faith and sadness are in a pseudo war within them attempting to interpret recent heart wrenching events.
Like these sisters, I have had times of hoping for a different outcome. In working through cancer with family members I have cast my vote to God for healing and restoration. The kind of prayer that pours the heart out to God must be encouraged. The Psalms are loaded with them! More than sixty psalms have elements of grief and sorrow in them. Psalms 13 is one example of “A good lament leads to a good doxology!” Terry Wardle said these words, and often I’ve found them to be my experience. In John 11 the grieving sisters receive Jesus into their company, and the result is an amazing miracle that will lead many to come to faith in Jesus, the Anointed One. Hallelujah! Within days they will publicly wave palm branches and shout Hosanna. In a few more days that same Jesus will be brutally crucified. Many will be overcome with sadness. Another three days later, and their sorrows will be turned to joy. Let God have the final word on your sorrows!