Nougat 29

Sometimes what we say is for the benefit of others, isn’t it? We already know what or how things will go forward, but it’s as though we are bringing them up to speed. And that’s important. In fact it’s what Jesus seems to do in today’s Holy Nougat

“So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭11:41-42‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Was Lazarus still dead when Jesus spoke? If so, was there a four-day stench when the enbalmed body began to decompose? If not, was it necessary for Jesus to say those words?

Jesus Himself offers the answer. It’s all for God’s glory as well as for the conviction of the crowd. It’s worth noting that Jesus’ prayer isn’t long and convoluted. He keeps things really simple – Thanksgiving with explanations. His response reminds us to remain focused on the Main Thing – what God is about to do. And it’s my sense that what God manifested next was major. Not only in the literal sense but also in reference to His seemingly cryptic statement to Martha in verses 25-26.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.” ‭‭

Cryptic, because it gives a clue about Jesus’ character and foreshadowed what was to happen regarding His own death situation.

Having revealed His nature to Martha, Jesus asked her a very critical question:

“Do you believe this, Martha?” Instead of asking whether the crowd would believe, Jesus prayed that the crowd would believe. He already knew that they were skeptical, and still questioning His divinity. But that’s the question we each must answer in this moment – what do we believe?

Unlike the crowd of His day, we have the benefit of hindsight. We know that there’s a ‘and they all lived happily ever after’ – in this story and more importantly, in all our futures as believers. Because the same Jesus Who raised Lazarus and raised Himself is the same Jesus Who promises to return for us.

He didn’t say that it would be stress-free – far from it. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly outlined that persecution will come, and with our perseverance comes various rewards. James reiterates this by saying: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” ‭‭(see James‬ ‭1:12‬‬‬)

So, in our Lazarus situation I pray we are reminded that even in death we have the capacity to live; as Jesus promised.

Do we believe Him?

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May all we seek be found in Christ