John 11:39

"Take away the stone," Jesus said. "Lord, by now he stinks," said Martha, the sister of the dead man. "It has already been four days."

Study Bible

“Take away the stone,”
This command by Jesus is direct and authoritative, reflecting His divine authority over life and death. The Greek word for "take away" is "airo," which means to lift up or remove. This action is symbolic of removing obstacles to faith and witnessing the power of God. In a historical context, tombs were often sealed with large stones to protect the body from animals and grave robbers, emphasizing the finality of death. Jesus' command challenges this finality, foreshadowing His power over the grave.

said Jesus
The use of "said" here, from the Greek "lego," indicates a deliberate and purposeful statement. Jesus speaks with intention, knowing the miracle He is about to perform. His words carry the weight of divine authority, and His identity as the Son of God is central to the narrative. This moment is a pivotal demonstration of His mission to bring life and hope.

“Lord, by now he stinks,”
Martha's response is practical and rooted in human understanding. The phrase "by now he stinks" reflects the reality of death and decay, as Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. The Greek word "ozei" means to emit a foul odor, highlighting the hopelessness of the situation from a human perspective. This statement underscores the miracle's magnitude, as Jesus is about to defy natural processes.

said Martha
Martha, the sister of Lazarus, is often portrayed as pragmatic and concerned with the details of life. Her role in this narrative is crucial, as she represents the human struggle between faith and doubt. Her dialogue with Jesus reveals her belief in His power, yet also her limited understanding of His ability to transcend death.

the sister of the dead man
This phrase emphasizes the personal loss and grief experienced by Martha and her family. The term "dead man" starkly contrasts with the life-giving power of Jesus. In Jewish culture, the family played a significant role in mourning, and the mention of Martha as Lazarus's sister highlights the emotional weight of the miracle about to occur.

“By this time there is a bad odor
Reiterating the reality of death, this phrase serves to heighten the anticipation of the miracle. The "bad odor" is a reminder of the corruption and decay that sin brings into the world. In a broader theological context, it symbolizes the spiritual death that Jesus came to conquer through His resurrection power.

for he has been there four days.”
The mention of "four days" is significant in Jewish belief, as it was thought that the soul lingered near the body for three days before departing. By the fourth day, death was considered irreversible. This detail underscores the impossibility of the situation from a human standpoint, setting the stage for a divine intervention that defies all expectations and affirms Jesus as the resurrection and the life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is about to perform a miraculous act that demonstrates His power over life and death.

2. Martha
The sister of Lazarus, she expresses concern about the practical implications of opening the tomb, showing her human perspective and doubt.

3. Lazarus
The deceased brother of Martha and Mary, whose resurrection will serve as a powerful sign of Jesus' divine authority.

4. The Tomb
The place where Lazarus is buried, symbolizing death and the finality of human life without divine intervention.

5. Bethany
The village where this event takes place, located near Jerusalem, and a place where Jesus often visited.

Teaching Points

Faith Overcomes Doubt
Martha's initial doubt is a common human reaction, but Jesus calls us to trust in His power and promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.

Jesus' Authority Over Death
This event foreshadows Jesus' own resurrection and His ultimate victory over death, offering hope to all believers.

Obedience Precedes Miracles
Jesus commands the stone to be removed, requiring an act of obedience before the miracle occurs. Our obedience can be a precursor to witnessing God's power.

God's Timing is Perfect
Lazarus had been dead for four days, emphasizing that God's timing, though it may seem delayed, is always perfect for His purposes.

The Power of Jesus' Word
Jesus' command to remove the stone demonstrates the authority of His word, which can bring life and transformation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Martha's reaction to Jesus' command reflect our own struggles with doubt and faith in difficult situations?

2. In what ways does the raising of Lazarus prefigure Jesus' own resurrection, and how does this strengthen our hope as believers?

3. What does the act of removing the stone teach us about the relationship between obedience and experiencing God's miracles in our lives?

4. How can we apply the lesson of God's perfect timing in our own lives when we face situations that seem hopeless or delayed?

5. How does the authority of Jesus' word in this passage encourage us to trust in the promises found in Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 11:25-26
Jesus declares Himself as the resurrection and the life, setting the stage for the miracle of raising Lazarus.

Genesis 2:7
The creation of man from dust, highlighting God's power over life and death from the beginning.

Ezekiel 37:1-14
The vision of the dry bones, symbolizing God's ability to bring life to what is dead.

Romans 8:11
The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers, promising life to our mortal bodies.