John 11:22

John 11:22 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Lazarus’s death and resurrection, revealing Martha’s complex blend of grief, understanding, and profound faith in Jesus.

Context

This verse is spoken by Martha to Jesus shortly after His arrival in Bethany, four days after her brother Lazarus had died and been buried. Martha greets Jesus with a lament, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died" (John 11:21), expressing a common human reaction to loss and perceived delayed intervention. However, immediately following this, she pivots to a remarkable statement of unwavering belief in Jesus's unique connection to God, even in the face of what seemed like an irreversible situation. Her words precede Jesus's famous declaration, "I am the resurrection, and the life," setting the stage for the miraculous raising of Lazarus.

Key Themes

• Faith Amidst Grief: Martha's statement demonstrates a deep, albeit perhaps not fully formed, faith in Jesus’s power and divine favor, even in her deepest sorrow. She believes He has a special relationship with the Father that transcends the present tragedy.
• Jesus's Divine Authority: Martha acknowledges that Jesus holds a unique position with God, where His requests are honored. This speaks to Jesus's authority and His intimate oneness with the Father (John 10:30).
• Power of Intercessory Prayer: While she doesn't explicitly ask for Lazarus's resurrection at this point, her words imply a profound understanding of Jesus’s ability to intercede effectively with God. She believes that whatever Jesus asks, God will grant.
• Divine Sovereignty and Timing: Though Martha might have wished for Jesus to arrive sooner, her statement implicitly trusts in God's ultimate power to act, even at what seems to be the "eleventh hour."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whatsoever thou wilt ask of God" (Greek: ho an aitēsai ton Theon) highlights Martha's expansive confidence in Jesus's access to divine power. It suggests that there is no limit to what God would grant His Son. The KJV's "[it]" is supplied, clarifying that God will give the thing asked for, reinforcing the idea of a granted request. Her conviction is not based on a specific petition for Lazarus's immediate return, but on an overarching belief in Jesus's unique and powerful relationship with the Father.

Practical Application

John 11:22 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

• Trust in Jesus's Intercession: We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for us. Our prayers are heard through Him.
• Faith Beyond Circumstance: Like Martha, we are called to maintain faith in God's power and goodness, even when circumstances seem dire or hopes appear lost. Our trust should be in God's character, not just His timing.
• God Answers Prayer: This verse underscores the principle that God answers prayer, especially when it aligns with His perfect will and is offered through His Son. While God’s answers may not always be what we expect or desire in the moment, they are always good and ultimately for His glory, as seen in the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection that followed.