John 11:39
“Jesus said, 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.”
Context:Before we examine this specific verse, it’s important to understand the context of the passage. In John 11, we find the story of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, who fell ill and eventually died. Jesus arrived in Bethany, where Lazarus lived, after he had been dead for four days. Martha, Lazarus’ sister, expressed her faith in Jesus and her belief in the resurrection at the last day.
Jesus’ Instruction:In this verse, Jesus gives Martha an instruction to take away the stone that was covering the entrance of Lazarus’ tomb. This instruction indicates that Jesus was about to perform a miraculous act of raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus often involved people in the miracles he performed, allowing them to participate in their own faith-building experiences.
Martha’s Concern:Martha’s response to Jesus’ instruction reveals her concern about the decaying body of her brother. She acknowledges that Lazarus had been dead for four days and that there would be a strong odor emanating from the tomb. Her response highlights the reality and finality of death in the physical sense, as she expresses her understanding of the natural process of decay.
Symbolic Meaning:Beyond the literal meaning, this verse holds symbolic significance. The stone covering the tomb represents the obstacles and barriers that hinder our faith. Martha’s concern about the stench symbolizes doubt and lack of faith. It is interesting to note that Jesus asked the people to remove the stone before performing the miracle. In a similar way, we must be willing to remove the obstacles of doubt, fear, and unbelief in our lives, opening ourselves to the miraculous power of God.
Jesus’ Response:In the following verses (John 11:40-44), Jesus proceeds to call Lazarus forth from the tomb, demonstrating his power over death. Lazarus is raised to life, and the people witness a profound miracle, solidifying their faith in Jesus as the Son of God.
Overall Lesson:This verse reminds us of the power of Jesus to overcome even the most impossible situations. It teaches us to trust in Jesus, even when circumstances seem dire and hopeless. Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, he can also call us out of our spiritual deadness and bring new life into our situations. It encourages us to remove the stones of doubt and unbelief and to trust in Jesus’ ability to bring resurrection and transformation to every area of our lives.
As you continue studying this passage, I encourage you to read the entire account of Lazarus’ resurrection in John 11 to gain a deeper understanding of the context and the powerful lessons it conveys.
