Thoughts on the Gospel of John (95) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2023

Now Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you. Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. Martha said to him, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
John 11:21-24.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (95)
As Jesus approached the house in Bethany, the two sisters acted according to their temperament: Martha, the active woman, went out to meet Him, whereas Mary, who was more pensive and sensitive, sat quietly in the house, waiting for the Lord to call her. They both greeted Him with the same words, albeit in a different attitude, as we shall see.

Martha showed true faith. She knew that the Lord could have healed her brother and was convinced that He stood in God’s favour, so that His requests would always be granted.

The Lord told Martha plainly what would happen: her brother would rise again. He wished to strengthen her faith. She was to recognise what sources of help were within His power.

Martha did not feel consoled, however. She thought she understood resurrection. The Old Testament mentions resurrection in many passages, e.g. Daniel 12:13: “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days”.

Other passages in the Bible make it clear that there will be two resurrections – one for believers and later one for unbelievers. Whoever “has part in the first resurrection” is said to be “blessed and holy”; but all others will experience “the resurrection of condemnation” (cf. Revelation 20:6; John 5:29).

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Leviticus 13:9-28 · Psalms 59:1-9