John 11:21-22: “Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.” Our story today takes place after Jesus’ very dear friend Lazarus had died. Most of us are familiar with the happenings surrounding this. Lazarus’ sisters had sent word that he was very sick and beckoned the Lord to come. But in order to demonstrate the power of God, Jesus had tarried several days. I find these verses that follow very interesting as well as extremely important. As you may recall, Martha was lovingly chastised by the Lord in a previous interaction for being so busy with her entertaining tasks that she was not devoting time to the things that truly mattered and would have a lasting impact. Whereas her sister Mary was upheld as the example of having her priorities properly placed. In this consideration, however, Martha is the one appropriately displaying what is of primary concern instead of Mary. See Luke 10:41-42: “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
John 11:21-22 Meaning
This role reversal is significant. It would appear Martha took her Master’s words to heart and was now demonstrating a transformation. Both sisters had heard that the Lord was now on His way, but Martha went outside to wait for His arrival while Mary sat in the house. The private conversation that ensued between the two of them was priceless. A true moment where she had “chosen that good part” and that precious time would never be taken away from her.
Even though Martha regretted the fact that Jesus had not shown up earlier, she showed her faith in her words. She hastened to say, “I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.” She did not comprehend exactly what Jesus was going to ask God to give Him, but she must have anticipated something extraordinary.
I doubt Martha understood what prompted her to utter those words.
But they were the precursor to her later declaration of faith. She had already opened that door by allowing the Spirit to work through her thoughts. They were properly positioned. Her heart was already prepared to trust. The kernel—the seed had been planted.
When Jesus assured her that her brother would rise again, she responded in the affirmative that she knew He would rise in the resurrection. But now came the wonderful assertion by the Lord that He was the resurrection and the life. Then the question, “‘Do you believe?’” And that confirming response, “‘I believe’”. The result of Martha’s faith prompted Jesus’ promise to her, “‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’” (John 11:40)
Oh my goodness the reward for that faith became manifested when the glory of God was evidenced by Lazarus being raised from death. It took only three words from the mouth of Christ, “‘Lazarus, come out!’”
Martha is an excellent role model. Let us take care to be sure our hearts are opened to trust and our thoughts confirming such. We too can be assured that If we believe we will truly see the glory of God. His timing may be different from ours and things may not happen the way we have expected. But may we always be able to say , “even now dear Father I know You will give me what I ask. I believe.
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