John 11:38-39

"Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days." John 11:38-39

As Jesus approached the foot of the cross, it is imperative that we take a look at this event - the resurrection of Lazarus. If you recall, Lazarus had become sick while Jesus was in a distant area. Martha and Mary had sent for the Master - and He had delayed His return to Bethany. After several days, He tells the disciples it is time to go while they argue that it is not safe. Jesus finally says bluntly, "Lazarus is dead." At this point, the journey begins and takes a few interesting twists along the way. Eventually, the mourning party of friends and curious on-lookers makes it's way to the tomb where Lazarus is laid. At this point our verses begin.

"Remove the stone." That is Jesus' first words at the site. Martha is rather upset. She appears to believe Jesus is on His way into to tomb to grieve the loss of His friend. "Lord, it has been four days. Lazarus has decomposed to the point he stinks something awful." Didn't she think that the Master knew this? Mary had previously announced to Him that Lazarus had been dead for days. And, after all, they DID know that He was the Messiah. Or did they? Apparently the knowledge they had all acquired in their heads had yet to reach their hearts. They KNEW it. They just didn't BELIEVE it.

Jesus repeats the order and the stone is rolled away. Perhaps the Lord had move a step or two in the direction of the tomb, or maybe He had simply stood His ground, but all eyes were on Him and the gaping hole in the side of the hill. Some were sure He would endure the stench to pay His last respects to the beloved friend. Others thought He was proving that He was rather loose in the head. Martha and Mary were probably shocked at the new development. "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" That sounds a bit assertive for one who had just been crying. You WILL see the glory? Mighty powerful words. What was the Rabbi planning? Everyone wanted to know. Most were crowding around, jockeying for position to see both Jesus and the opening to the cave where Lazarus lay. Some, if they had cell phones, would have been calling home, "Hannah, you should have come. This is incredible! Wait ... the Rabbi is about to speak again!"

Others would have flipped open their executive phones - the ones with color video capabilities - and been whispering to the authorities on the other end, "Are you getting this? He is helpless to do anything. He is pathetic. Watch as this upstart orders the grave opened ... did you see it? Look, I'll show you His face. Isn't that sad? Our plans are about to come together. Hang on; I'll put point the phone in His direction. He is about to say something even more pathetic ...watch!"

Anticipation is eating the crowd alive. They all want to know what happens next. Fortunately we already know. The question for us is do we believe in our hearts what we see with our eyes - or read in His Word? Are we allowing the things in our minds to travel the twelve inches or so to our hearts where they will really do some good? Talk to you later, Amen.