How can John 11:39 strengthen our faith in Jesus' miraculous abilities today? Reading the Verse “‘Take away the stone,’ Jesus said. ‘Lord, by now he stinks,’ said Martha, the sister of the dead man. ‘It has already been four days.’” (John 11:39) The Scene Behind the Words • A sealed tomb: evidence of finality and hopelessness • Four days dead: beyond any natural possibility of resuscitation • Martha’s protest: honest, practical realism colliding with Jesus’ command Faith-Building Truths on Display • Jesus addresses the impossible first. Before raising Lazarus, He tackles the barrier (the stone), proving He is undeterred by what intimidates us. • The “four days” detail highlights irreversible decay; Jesus chooses the moment that magnifies His power the most. • Human reluctance doesn’t cancel divine intent. Martha’s hesitation is met with Christ’s steady directive—His authority overrides doubt. Why This Strengthens Faith Today • No circumstance is “too far gone.” If four-day decay cannot stop Jesus, neither can the entrenched problems we face. • Obedience precedes the miracle. Moving the stone required trust; present-day believers grow strong by acting on Christ’s words even when outcomes seem unlikely. • Jesus involves people in His work, showing He welcomes participation while retaining full control of results. • His power over death affirms His sufficiency over lesser crises—finances, relationships, health, or societal decay. Supporting Scriptures Reinforcing His Ability • Genesis 18:14 — “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” • Matthew 19:26 — “With God all things are possible.” • Hebrews 13:8 — “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” • Romans 4:20-21 — Abraham was “fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.” Living in the Confidence of John 11:39 • Identify “stones” that appear immovable and submit them to the One who commands their removal. • Act on Scripture promptly, trusting that obedience sets the stage for divine intervention. • Remember that Jesus’ authority does not wane with time; His miraculous power in first-century Bethany remains active for twenty-first-century believers. |
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