“Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.”– John 11:39 (KJV)
““Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”– John 11:39 (NLT)
“Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha said, “But, Lord, it’s been four days! The stench will be terrible.”– John 11:39 (MSG)
What Does John 11:39 Mean?
John 11:39 is a powerful verse in the Bible found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is about to perform one of his most incredible miracles: raising Lazarus from the dead. This moment encapsulates themes of faith, doubt, and the power of Jesus. When Martha, Lazarus’s sister, responds to Jesus’s command to remove the stone sealing her brother’s tomb, we see a blend of faith and human concern. She understands the situation all too well and fears the stench of decay. It is a common human reaction—doubt in the face of extraordinary claims. This moment is not just about the physical act of removing the stone; it signifies the heart’s struggle between trusting God’s promises and grappling with our reality. Questions arise: How often do we hesitate when asked to step out in faith? Martha’s concerns reflect our own challenges when confronting situations that seem hopeless. Yet, through this tumultuous moment, Jesus is preparing to demonstrate his authority over death.
John 11:39 Explanation and Commentary
To truly grasp the weight of John 11:39, we must understand the context. Jesus had received word that his friend Lazarus was ill, and yet he stayed where he was for two more days. By the time he arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days. This delay was intentional. Jesus wanted to demonstrate that he had power over death itself, and he wanted to deepen the faith of those around him.
As we read Martha’s response, we see her internal conflict. On one hand, she believes in Jesus and knows he can do miraculous things. On the other hand, she is faced with the harsh reality of her brother’s death and the natural consequence of decay. We can relate to this. Often, we are caught in situations where we know God can intervene, yet our present circumstances seem daunting. This reflects our human struggle to balance faith with the realities we face.
Jesus responds to Martha’s objections not with condemnation but with encouragement. He knows that her limits of understanding fall short of God’s capabilities. This moment is a gentle reminder that our fears and doubts are acknowledged by God. Therefore, Martha is not reprimanded for her concern; rather, it serves as a pivotal part of the miracle about to happen. The call to “remove the stone” is a challenge to her faith. Are we willing to let God move in our lives, even when it seems impossible?
This passage is foundational for understanding God’s power and grace. It opens up the possibility that Christ’s miracles are not just stories of the past but relevant to our lives today. How often do we allow the “stones” in our lives to prevent us from experiencing the miraculous? Are we willing to confront our fears and uncertainties? Christ invites us to trust Him with the heavy burdens we carry and the situations that seem beyond hope. John 11:39 is thus a call to action; it invites us to participate in God’s work by stepping out in faith, even when we cannot fully see what the outcome might be.
Context of John 11:39
The story leading up to John 11:39 is a heartfelt one. Lazarus was not just any man; he was a friend of Jesus and a beloved brother to Martha and Mary. When he fell sick, his sisters reached out to Jesus, yearning for his help. Tragically, Jesus arrived after Lazarus had already died. This timing allows for a miraculous moment to unfold: the resurrection of Lazarus.
The context also highlights the disbelief and sorrow surrounding death. Martha’s reaction is a reflection of a severe societal and emotional response to loss. The act of rolling away the stone signifies not only the physical barrier to Lazarus but the emotional barriers we often build. These barriers can lead us to hide our pain and fears rather than confront them with God’s help.
The significance of this moment is further illuminated by the Jewish customs surrounding death. After four days, the body would certainly begin to decompose, reinforcing Martha’s protests. It was a dire situation, marking the finality of Lazarus’s death in the eyes of those present. This underscores the enormity of what Jesus is about to do. He is demonstrating that, in his presence, death itself does not have to be the end.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 11:39
In examining John 11:39, we first see the command given by Jesus: “Take ye away the stone.” This command is powerful, as it symbolizes the removal of obstacles that inhibit life. What stones do we have in our lives that we need to move aside? Jesus calls us to take action! He encourages us to confront our struggles and doubts directly.
Martha’s response, filled with worry, points to a genuine human emotion. She states the facts: “He has been dead four days.” This phrase conveys her understanding of the situation, but it also demonstrates her limitations. We often cling to our understanding, undervaluing what God can do. When Jesus asks us to trust him, are we ready to react with faith, just as we see in others throughout the Bible?
Next, we recognize the significance of time in this scene. The four days that Lazarus spent in the grave serve to highlight his state of death. It is a moment crying for hope, the perfect time for Jesus to show that he can challenge even the most dire circumstances. This part of the passage draws attention to the reality that there are times in our lives when we might feel hopeless. Christ’s delay is not neglect but an invitation for us to expand our belief in the impossible.
Lastly, we should consider how this resonates with our daily lives. The stones we face might be doubts, mistakes, or fear. Jesus is asking us to collaborate with him to reveal his glory. By participating in this miracle, Martha learns that God can take her biggest fears and transform them into life and hope. How encouraging is that, knowing that with Christ, the solution to our challenges often lies just beyond the stone?
Lessons to Learn From John 11:39
The lessons in John 11:39 extend far beyond the act of removing a physical stone. They penetrate to the very heart of our faith journey. The first lesson is about the importance of faith in seemingly impossible situations. Martha’s hesitation symbolizes the way we sometimes resist God’s call because of our doubts. We need to recognize that faith is not the absence of uncertainty but the choice to believe despite it!
Another essential lesson is the significance of opening our hearts to God’s power. Martha’s mind focuses on the decay, yet Jesus invites her to focus on the potential for transformation. This encounter exemplifies that the outlook of fear can be changed into one of hope and belief. By embracing God’s promises, we can learn to trust Him and not our limited perspective.
Furthermore, we see how vital community support can be when faced with trials. Martha and Mary relied on each other, as we can rely on our friends and family when navigating hardship. We are not alone in our struggles, and Christ calls us to support each other in faith. This lesson resonates deeply in our lives, reminding us to care for one another as we walk this journey together.
Finally, this passage beautifully illustrates that death is not final for those who believe in Christ. The resurrection of Lazarus stands as a symbol of the eternal life promised to all who follow Jesus. This symbolizes hope, love, and grace, which should inspire us to share the message of Christ with others. We are reminded to live boldly and encourage others to seek the same kind of trust in God that Martha is invited to embrace.
Final Thoughts
John 11:39 presents a profound moment filled with raw emotion, faith, and the promise of resurrection. It challenges us to confront the stones in our lives and to trust in God’s power, even when circumstances appear hopeless. Martha’s journey from doubt to belief serves as a model for each of us. It encourages us to invite Christ into our struggles, knowing He is not intimidated by our fears.
As we reflect on this verse, let it motivate us to be active participants in our faith. We have the opportunity to roll away the stones that block us from God’s blessings. By doing so, we allow space for God to demonstrate His love and power in ways we cannot foresee. So let’s hold each other up in prayer and faith as we continue to explore more scriptures, such as John 7:12 and Numbers 13:23, allowing God’s word to fill us with hope and love. Together, we can grow in faith and experience the miraculous.