How can John 11:21 inspire us to trust Jesus in difficult situations? Setting the scene John 11 tells the account of Lazarus’ death and resurrection. Verse 21 records Martha’s first words when Jesus finally arrives at Bethany: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21) The honest heart cry • Martha’s words are raw and unfiltered; she voices disappointment yet still calls Jesus “Lord.” • Scripture never rebukes her for speaking this way. Her honesty is preserved in the inspired text, showing God values truth in the inner person (Psalm 51:6). • We, too, can pour out our complaints and sorrows before Him (Psalm 62:8) without fear of rejection. Jesus welcomes our real emotions • Hebrews 4:15–16 reminds us that our High Priest sympathizes with our weaknesses and invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” • By recording Martha’s lament, God assures us that heartfelt anguish is not incompatible with faith; Jesus receives us even when pain clouds our perspective. Faith that dares to speak • Martha’s sentence mingles grief with implicit belief: she is certain Jesus had power to prevent death. • Trust is evident not in flawless words, but in where we take our hurt. Martha runs to Jesus (John 11:20). • Later, she confesses, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27). Faith and frustration coexist as she holds to Jesus amid confusion. The unseen plan of God • Jesus declares, “Your brother will rise again” (John 11:23) and then, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). • What seemed like a delay was designed to display God’s glory (John 11:4). • Romans 8:28 echoes the lesson: “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” Even divine pauses are purposeful. Trust grounded in His character • Martha’s knowledge of Jesus’ power undergirded her statement. Likewise, we anchor confidence in: – His sovereignty (Isaiah 55:8–9) – His goodness (Nahum 1:7) – His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23) • When circumstances contradict our expectations, we recall who He is, not just what we see. Practical takeaways for today • Run to Jesus first; let honest lament lead to deeper intimacy. • Speak faith even while acknowledging pain—“Lord, if You had been here…” recognizes His power. • Wait with expectancy, trusting His timing to reveal a greater purpose. • Remind yourself of past deliverances; Lazarus’ story fuels hope that no situation is beyond Christ. • Encourage one another with the promise of resurrection life (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). • Hold fast to God’s Word daily; it steadies the heart when answers delay (Psalm 46:1). John 11:21 shows that candid sorrow and steadfast trust are not enemies. As we bring our toughest moments to Jesus, we discover the same compassionate Savior who turned Martha’s grief into joyful wonder. |
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