Wednesday 5 August 2026

Psalm 95

Background
Our daily readings continue to unfold what happened following the death of Lazarus. As Jesus approaches their village, the dead man’s sister Martha has gone out to meet him and now returns and urges her sister Mary to privately meet with Jesus too, which she hurries to do.

But the other mourners trail after her, assuming, naturally enough, that she wants to weep at the tomb.

It is sometimes suggested that Mary does not compare well with her sister who went far beyond her initial implied criticism of Jesus for not being there to save Lazarus by making a strong declaration that she believed he was the Christ or Messiah (v. 27). But this chapter will be followed with the recording of an incident in John 12:1-8 which displays both Mary’s devotion and her insight into who Jesus is, which is also hinted at in the way she here “kneels at his feet” (v. 32). The situation in this scene, with Jesus confronted by Mary and the Jews weeping, is very different from the previous private conversation with Martha. A theological conversation may prove to be a helpful response to grief, but that does not necessarily remove the intense suffering, and it is the response of Jesus to that which is now the focus of the story.

Surprisingly in view of the detachment Jesus has so far shown, he now becomes “greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved” (v. 33) and begins to weep (v. 35). Most likely we should understand this in terms of Jesus having normal human emotions in the face of the grief that death causes to himself and others. But it is also suggested, with some justification, that Jesus is contemplating all that will be involved in his own death – viewed as a matter for both anger and sorrow.

The final verses (vs 36-37) indicate how the crowd were divided between those who assessed Jesus positively (if superficially) and those who saw the whole incident as cause for criticism.

To Ponder:

• Why do you suppose Mary had lingered at the house rather than going to meet Jesus at the first opportunity as Martha had done (v. 20)?
• Unlike in this story, mourning in our society is often a rather private matter. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches?
• Which in your view is the more helpful response to a bereaved person: encouragement of their faith (as Jesus does with Martha), or weeping along with them?

Prayer
Merciful Lord Jesus, I remember again those whose death I have had cause to grieve. I thank you for the ways in which my faith in you has helped me to face and be strengthened by my loss. 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.