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Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha is very sick. Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus were close friends. (This is the Mary who poured the very expensive perfume on Jesus’s feet as recorded in Matthew 26:7 and John 12:3, not the woman in Luke.)

So when Lazarus fell ill, it was natural for Mary and Martha to send for Jesus. “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” John 11:3. The NLT translates the relationship as your dear friend.

However, Jesus did not come right away. Odd! He loved Lazarus, and Mary and Martha. He had the ability to heal him. He healed many who he did not even know. In the very beginning of his ministry, Mark 1:32-34 records his healing of many who were sick. But Jesus did not immediately come.

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” John 11:5 and 6. Is that how you would have responded? Is that how love demonstrates itself?

But when word arrived that Jesus was on his way, impetuous Martha ran to meet him. This same Martha who previously when Jesus came to visit, ran to meet him and greeted him with, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” Luke 10:40.

This time she greets Jesus with, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21. An if only story line is a narrative of regret. It shifts the story from what is to what might have been.

Martha’s expectations didn’t line up with her reality. But she seems to back pedal with her next words. “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” John 11:22. Please Jesus, heal our brother. I know you can!

Jesus assures her, “Your brother will rise again.” John 11:23.

But Martha’s understanding was limited. Even the Pharisees believe in resurrection.

I can often be a Martha. If only … 

If only I hadn’t chosen to accept that job …
If only I had invited her to come along …
If only I was chosen for …
If only we had gotten to the doctor sooner …
If only they knew what I had to offer …
If only I was more tech savvy …

A story line of regret. A story line of not trusting. A story line of questioning the sovereignty of God. My understanding can be so limited!

Twice in this narrative, at the beginning and at the end, Jesus declares Lazarus’s illness and death is to show the glory of God. John 11:4 and 40. Twice Jesus declares that Lazarus’s story is for the sake of the sake of others. John 11:15 and 42. Jesus’s heart if for me, for us, for our good.

There are no if only’s in God’s economy.

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 115:1, NLT

Last week, April 4, was Resurrection and the Disciples. If you missed it, scroll down.
Next week, April 17 is Resurrection and Mary. It’s interesting that Mary also uses the phrase, if only. But there is a difference.
April 24, Resurrection and Me.

Copyright: Sue Tell, April 2025