Main point: When Martha met Jesus basically, she just complained that Jesus did not come earlier so that his brother would not have died v.21. Then why did she added in v.22, “11:22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will grant you.” That might imply that she still believe Jesus and He could resurrect her brother back to live. Did she really believe that? (NET) ...she seems to be suggesting here (implicitly at least) the possibility of a resurrection for her brother. However, Martha’s statement in 11:39 makes it clear that she had no idea that a resurrection was still possible.”
When Jesus assured her that her brother will come back to life again v.23, she said, “ I know…” What she repeated was her knowledge from the OT. Note, Jesus replied, “I Myself am the resurrection and the life (literally translation) v.25…” In other words Jesus meant to change her mind. She said she believed again in v.27. If she truly believed she would have invited Jesus to the tomb and bring her brother back to life, but she did not. She went to Mary v.28 and asked Mary to talk to Jesus.
Reflection: Twice in this passage, Martha said she knew or she believed, but she did not. Am I like Martha? I believed in Jesus and I believed what is said in the Bible would come true, but I did not believe Him. That means, I prayed but I do not have expectations of any change. I do not believe that God Himself would intervene in my life. That means, I know He is powerful, but He did not care enough to change the circumstances for me.
Again, twice in this passage mentioned that Martha and Mary went out of their house to meet Jesus v.20, 28-32. John kept a more detailed record of Mary getting quickly to meet Jesus and she fell at His feet. However, all these gestures did not mean their hearts were open to Jesus. Both sisters basically have the same attitude towards Jesus. Mary said almost exactly the same words as Martha in v.32. They both wanted to vent out their complaint towards Jesus, ““Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Do I like them? I come before God every morning in devotion, but I am not ready for change. I keep my own thinking and mindset and not ready to be molded and changed by God?
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