Thoughts on the Gospel of John (99) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

And some of them said, Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying? Then Jesus, again groaning in himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days. Jesus said to her, Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?
John 11:37-40.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (99)
"Weep with those who weep". Jesus exemplified this word of counsel from the epistle to the Romans (ch. 12:15). The Jews were not unmoved, seeing Jesus weeping on account of the mourning in that house in Bethany. But some wondered why He had not been able to prevent Lazarus' death. He could have done so, but then the two sisters would not have felt their Lord's sympathy so strongly. And the glory of the Son of God, together with His love and power, would not have been witnessed.

For the second time we read that Jesus groaned, the first time with the addition "and was troubled" (v. 33). No-one sensed so profoundly the consequences of sin: sickness, death and mourning. In the face of death holy anger overcame Him. Additionally, in His heart He bore the sorrows and sufferings of those He healed (cf. Isaiah 53:4).

After the Lord had ordered the stone to be taken away, Martha came forward. The stench of the corpse made her realise how hopeless the situation was. But it is precisely when things appear hopeless from man's point of view that God acts for His honour and glory and for the benefit of His children.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Joshua 2:14-24 · 1 Corinthians 1:18-31