Thoughts on the Gospel of John (94) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

So when Jesus came, he found that he had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him, but Mary was sitting in the house.
John 11:17-20.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (94)
After Jesus had received news of Lazarus' illness, He remained where He was, staying with His disciples for another two days. Their journey to Bethany on foot took them presumably another two days. When they arrived there, death had intervened: Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. According to the eastern custom the burial had taken place on the day of the death.

Incidentally, cremation was not customary in Israel at that time. In ancient times the dead were buried, as God informed Abraham (Genesis 15:15) and had Himself buried Moses (Deuteronomy 34:6). The human body has great importance for God. This becomes clear, when the body of the redeemed is called "the temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19). Moreover, the mortal body that is laid to rest is compared with grain seed that is sown, later to be raised and changed (1 Corinthians 15:35-48). Burial adequately expresses this fact.

To return to the mourners in Bethany: many Jews had come to comfort the sisters over their loss. Martha, who had been excessively busy on the Lord's previous visit, was again active. She went out to meet the Lord, whereas Mary waited. On the first occasion she sat quietly at the feet of Jesus; here she was sitting quietly in the house mourning (cf. Luke 10:38-42).

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Leviticus 8:1-21 · Psalms 55:1-8