John 11:22
But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
John 11:22 (KJV)
Context
In John 11, Jesus receives news of Lazarus’ illness. However, He delays His arrival intentionally, allowing Lazarus to die and be in the tomb for four days. When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, Lazarus’ sister Martha goes out to meet Him. It is in this conversation between Martha and Jesus that we find John 11:22.
Meaning
Martha’s words, “But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee,” reveal a confident faith in Jesus’ power and His unique relationship with the Father. The phrase “even now” underscores her conviction that the situation is not beyond hope, despite the four days in the tomb. She believes that Jesus can ask God for anything and it will be granted, affirming His divine authority and His role as mediator between humanity and God.
Application
Faith in Difficult Circumstances: Like Martha, we should maintain faith in Jesus even when faced with challenging circumstances. Despite the apparent hopelessness of Lazarus’ situation, Martha’s faith in Jesus remained steadfast. Similarly, in our own lives, we can trust in Jesus’ power and ability to work in the midst of our trials and difficulties.
Prayer and Intercession: Martha’s statement highlights the importance of prayer and intercession. Just as Jesus had a close relationship with God the Father, we too can approach God in prayer through Jesus Christ, confident that He hears our prayers and has the power to respond.
Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Martha’s confidence in God’s response emphasizes the need to trust in God’s sovereignty. While we may have our own desires and requests, we must ultimately submit to God’s will, recognizing that He knows what is best for us.
Reflection
Martha’s confession is a model of faith that trusts in Jesus’ ability to act on behalf of believers, even in dire circumstances. It also serves as a reminder that faith can coexist with grief and confusion, as Martha mourns even as she professes her trust. Her words encourage us to bring our requests to God through Jesus, trusting in His will and timing.
