We recently reviewed how Jesus answered Martha in a direct yet loving way when she basically accused Him of not caring that her sister, Mary, was not helping serve (Luke 10:38-42). This was the first of only three occasions where Martha is referenced in the Scriptures. The next time we see Martha is with Mary when Lazarus dies (John 11:1-44). This event takes place not long before Christ’s crucifixion. A good bit of time had elapsed from the first time we saw Martha.
This time, there is a much more disturbing situation than when Mary wasn’t helping Martha. Here, Lazarus, the beloved brother of Martha and Mary, dies. According to verse 3, the sisters sent a message to Jesus letting Him know that Lazarus was sick. Upon hearing of his sickness, Jesus stayed two more days where He was before coming to Lazarus (verse 5-7). There is a good possibility that Martha realized that Jesus did not come right away. Instead of accusing Him of not caring, as she had before, this time, in the midst of her deep grief, she expresses her trust in her Savior.
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “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?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.“ (John 11:20-27)
What a contrast in the attitude and response of Martha this time than the last time! Yes, I believe she was growing in her faith and love for Jesus. He was doing a work in her heart, and, praise God, He is doing a work in our hearts as well!