On several occasions, scripture shows that what we might perceive as bad, even consider punitive, is really a framework for putting God on display. Consider the route through the Red Sea, the several storms over Galilean waters, and the blind man of John 9:
9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
John 9:1-3
Then we get to the story of Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, friend of Jesus. The family of three siblings lived in Bethany, about 1.5 miles east of Jerusalem on the south-eastern slope of the Mount of Olives (per Wikipedia). It lies on a common route between Galilee and Jerusalem that bypasses Samaria.
Given cultural norms and such, it is most likely that the community perceived a friendship between Jesus and Lazarus, while his sisters were merely in the background as is proper for ladies of the time. But when we look at the recorded visits, Jesus didn’t hold to the societal expectations. On one occasion, Martha was busy carrying out the hostess responsibilities, frustrated with Mary who was sitting still and listening to Jesus. Jesus told Martha that she needn’t be all a’dither in proper expectations – that resting in the company of her company was the preferred mode of visiting. Rest, listen, soak in this time and opportunity…let the work and worry wait.
Some time later, the sisters sent word that Lazarus was sick. Jesus waited. We have the advantage of knowing the rest of the story, while those living through it got the full roller coaster ride. Can you imagine the conversations while they waited? While Martha likely bustled with linens and any medicinal preparations she could get her hands on. While Mary sat holding her brother’s hand, perhaps wiping his brow, maybe even reminding him of Jesus’ visits and stories. “When did we send the messenger? Is he back yet? What did Jesus say? Didn’t He return with you? Is He coming??”
And Lazarus died.
The household shifted from waiting with hope to burial preparations. Food, mourners, how to pay for them, how to shelter them, and what two women would do now without the support and protection of their brother.
Four days later, Jesus arrived. Both women approached Him directly, individually, without societal norms getting in the way. Whether or not they realized it before, Jesus clarified that He loved each of them, with or without His friendship with their brother. He responded to them individually – with Martha, there was a rational discussion – with Mary, a heart-level empathy.
Martha dared to express hope while Mary wept with the obvious reality. Both said, “If only You’d been here…” while Martha added, “Even now, God will grant whatever You ask.” Then she stepped back into reality, he’d been dead four days, he’d stay dead until the ultimate resurrection. The crowd acknowledged Jesus’ miracles as well as His late arrival:
37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
John 11:37
They expected Him to show up in time to heal His friend, but He gave them something better than a last-minute healing. He gave them a resurrection, and with it a greater experience of Himself – His teaching, His empathy, and His power over death. He trusted them with a Job-like experience, and their trust in Him was rewarded.
In any situation, it is premature to evaluate it in terms of good or bad, blessing or punishment. Instead, hang around and watch for God to display His glory.
The glorious miracle of resurrection is impossible until someone or something dies.
-jj, 4/19/19