Compare Martha's faith in John 11:21 with other biblical examples of faith. Setting the Scene: Martha’s Words in John 11:21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21) What Martha Believed • She calls Jesus “Lord,” acknowledging His authority. • She is sure Jesus’ presence would have guaranteed Lazarus’ healing. • Her faith is strong, yet time-bound: she sees His power working only before death. • A few verses later she still confesses long-range hope: “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11:24) Martha’s Faith Under Pressure • Grief and disappointment are fresh; the tomb is still sealed. • She does not question Jesus’ goodness—only the timing. • Her statement carries both confidence in Christ’s power and confusion over His plan. Parallel Acts of Faith in Scripture 1. The Centurion’s Far-Reaching Faith (Matthew 8:8–10) • “‘Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof. But just say the word…’” • Believes Jesus can heal at a distance—no physical presence required. • Jesus marvels, calling it “great faith.” • Contrast: Martha limits Christ’s power to physical proximity; the centurion trusts unlimited authority. 2. Abraham’s Sacrificial Faith (Genesis 22:5–8; Hebrews 11:17–19) • Tells his servants, “We will worship and then we will return to you.” (paraphrase, Genesis 22:5) • Concludes God can raise Isaac even from the dead. • Contrast: Both face possible death of a loved one; Abraham trusts before the loss, Martha after the loss. • Similarity: Confidence in God’s ability to overcome death. 3. The Shunammite Woman’s Resilient Faith (2 Kings 4:18–37) • Repeats to Elisha, “It is well,” while her son lies dead at home. • Refuses to leave the prophet until he comes. • Contrast: She seeks the man of God immediately; Martha waits four days, then speaks her faith. • Both believe God can reverse death through His chosen servant. 4. The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:28–34) • “If I just touch His cloak, I will be healed.” • Acts on faith amid hopeless medical reports. • Jesus says, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” • Contrast: Martha verbalizes faith; the woman demonstrates faith through action. • Both believe in Jesus’ power over physical impossibilities. 5. Daniel’s Friends Before the Furnace (Daniel 3:17–18) • “Our God… is able to deliver us… But even if He does not, we will not serve your gods.” • Faith rests in God’s ability and sovereignty, regardless of outcome. • Contrast: Martha’s statement implies a desired outcome already missed; the three Hebrews surrender outcome to God’s will. Comparison Snapshot • Scope – Martha: Power over sickness before death. – Centurion, Abraham, Shunammite, Hebrews: Power unconfined by distance, death, or outcome. • Timing – Martha speaks after loss. – Others often express faith before or during the crisis. • Growth Point – Martha’s faith quickly expands when Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) – Her faith, though initially limited, becomes a platform for a greater revelation of Christ’s deity. Lessons for Our Walk Today • Genuine faith can coexist with grief and unanswered questions. • Jesus uses limited faith as a starting point to reveal fuller truth. • The same Lord who honored the centurion, Abraham, and the Shunammite honors Martha—showing He responds to every measure of trust placed in Him. • Believing God’s Word over circumstances aligns us with the testimony of faithful saints across Scripture. |
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