“Regardless!”

Rev. J. Loren Russell

John 11:40 (NKJV)
“Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

During this season of Lent, we shift your attention to the Gospel of John who records the last miracle Jesus performed before the greatest and most significant miracle of all, His own resurrection from the grave, which reveals His power over death and the grave.

In the text, we recognize it to be a solemn time. Martha and Mary’s brother, and Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died four days earlier. This bought a tear to the eye of Jesus (John 11:35). However, the answer to the question asked of Martha did not determine whether her brother would be raised from the dead. On the contrary, the question was intended to point her attention to the glory of God and to reveal that death and the grave are subject to His will. Both sisters were sure Jesus could have prevented the death of their brother, but to resurrect a decomposing body was a bit much to believe. Martha was sure that her brother’s death was permanent since it had been four days and the decay of his body had already begun. I guess she forgot that Jesus told her that He is the resurrection and the life (John 14:6). In fact, I know she forgot because of the question Jesus asks, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Jesus had already decided to raise Lazarus from the grave regardless of Martha’s answer.

The grandeur of God’s glory and His unbounded grace had been manifesting itself since Jesus’ first miracle when He turned water into wine, to now raising Lazarus from the grave. What prevents us from seeing the full magnitude of God’s glory is the same ailment that afflicted Martha, our lack of faith.

At the end of the day (figuratively), Jesus had those present remove the stone that blocked the grave. He called Lazarus by name and from the grave he stepped. Jesus instructed those present to remove his grave clothes. Lazarus was indeed raised from the dead! These hard facts made Martha’s response to Jesus’ question unnecessary. Lazarus was alive! His decomposing body was restored to perfect health.

Martha, Mary, and many of those present had their faith renewed. Hearing of this miraculous event, people near and far wanted to see this man for themselves, as was evidenced by the crowd that gathered to greet Him when He came into Jerusalem riding on the backside of a donkey (John 12:12).

It is at the name of Jesus that the dead come to life. Ministers, missionaries, and believers are sent to share The Word of Life to a dying world. Although we can’t make a person believe, we can show them the resurrecting power of the Gospel regardless of their faith, or lack thereof.

Be Blessed!

Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of the Evangelical Church of God, both in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the executive producer and host of “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on the Matters of Faith YouTube Channel and Facebook Live. Be sure to ‘Friend’ us. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177