Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in a small town called Bethany. They were known for their hospitality and their deep love for their brother Lazarus. One day, Lazarus fell ill and his sisters immediately sent for Jesus, their dear friend. However, Jesus did not arrive in time and Lazarus died.
The sisters were devastated and heartbroken. They had seen Jesus perform many miracles and had heard of His power to heal the sick. They knew that if He had been there, Lazarus would still be alive. But it was too late now. Lazarus had been dead for four days and his body had already been prepared for burial.
Jesus finally arrived in Bethany and Martha went out to meet Him. "Lord," she said, "if You had been here, my brother would not have died." Jesus replied, "Your brother will rise again." Martha thought Jesus was talking about the resurrection at the end of time, but Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Martha said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."
Jesus asked to be taken to Lazarus’ tomb, where a large stone had been placed over the entrance. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha protested, saying that Lazarus had been dead for four days and there would be a foul odor. Jesus said, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone and Jesus prayed, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me." Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"
And to the amazement of all those present, Lazarus came out of the tomb, still wrapped in grave clothes. Jesus said, "Loose him, and let him go." Many who had witnessed this miracle believed in Jesus, but some went and told the Pharisees what had happened.
This story from John 11 reminds us of the power of Jesus Christ over death. Just as He called Lazarus back to life, He offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. As Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." This is the hope that we have in Christ, that death is not the end, but a new beginning.