Oct 22. John 11. Christine Carr

Contrasts and Choices

In this chapter I think of contrasts. I see the contrast of where we can stand before Him at different times of our lives; contrast of Jesus responses to situations and contrast of people’s responses to Jesus miracles.

1) In Luke 10 we saw Mary at the feet of Jesus and Martha in work mode. Here, Martha is running to Jesus and Mary is waiting at home.  At different times in life, they approach Jesus in different ways. In Luke, Martha had to be reminded that sitting at the feet of Christ is crucial. In John, Martha ran to Him and Mary had to be called to come out before Jesus.  Sometimes we find ourselves at different places before Christ- eagerly approaching, hesitantly waiting, needing to be called… 

2)  Jesus lets us know that Lazarus’ death occurs “for the glory of God”. We see different responses from Jesus. His calmness waiting for the right time and announcing that Lazarus has fallen asleep; contrasted by Jesus overwhelming emotions when Mary approaches the grave. Jesus confidence came from knowing and trusting God’s plan. His angry, troubled heart that wept was filled with compassion for Mary and Martha. Jesus shows us that even though we can be confident in God’s plans, sometimes, because of our human nature, we will hurt, mourn and grieve. 

3) Many believed and some ran and snitched. On the surface it seems these are contrasting responses: belief and unbelief. But, they all believed. The Pharisee’s stated Jesus “certainly performs many miraculous signs”, so they believed but were unwilling to acknowledge and confess that belief.

Life circumstances may put me in different states before God at different times in my life. Knowing that Jesus can relate to my human emotion gives me peace and comfort. I have the choice to believe and acknowledge the power of God!