Tuesday 4 August 2026

Psalm 94:12-23

Background
The length of time since Lazarus was buried (four days, v. 17) will prove significant later (v. 39). But at this point, taken alongside verse 6, which tells us Jesus waited two days after hearing of Lazarus' illness before making the journey, it's clear that Jesus could not have arrived before Lazarus died. Popular Jewish belief was that the soul finally left a body three days after death, so there could be no question that after four days Lazarus was finally, unquestionably dead. The opening of this section (v. 18) also states for the first time the proximity of Bethany to the previous location of intended violence to Jesus, thus underlining the risk Jesus is taking. The reference to many Jews coming to mourn stresses that the raising of Lazarus later in the chapter was by no means a private or hidden event.

Martha and Mary are the sisters of Lazarus, so introduced in verses 1-2, with a reference to an action Mary performed, though this is not reported until the next chapter. The two sisters meet Jesus separately, Martha first. Her words expressing faith that if Jesus had been present he would have healed Lazarus will later be repeated by Mary (v. 32). But Martha’s faith goes further as she expresses her confidence that even now God will answer any prayer Jesus makes (v. 22). When Jesus promises that Lazarus will rise again, Martha interprets this in terms of the growing Jewish belief in a resurrection of all at the end of time, providing opportunity for Jesus to make the key “I am…” saying at the top of this note. Jesus declares himself to be the one who will bring about that final resurrection, the fact of which he has already affirmed in John 5:28-29.

Jesus challenges Martha as to whether she believes his claim, and her response in verse 27 matches the purpose of this gospel writer as declared in John 20:31. This is the fullest confession of faith that has yet been made in John’s Gospel, and it is by a woman. Martha’s response however does not clearly indicate whether she expected Jesus to revive her brother; perhaps what she will later say (v. 39) suggests not.

To Ponder:

• Martha’s confidence that God will answer Jesus’s prayer reflects Jesus’ promise to the disciples, “Ask, and it will be given you” (Matthew 7:7). To what extent does this match your experience?
• How do you understand the words in verse 26, “Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die”?

Prayer
Father, give me the same absolute faith in Jesus that Martha showed, that I might be conscious of living a life that will never die. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Stephen Mosedale
Stephen is a retired Methodist minister living near Exeter. He served in West Africa and Scotland and was a New Testament tutor at Cliff College.