John 11:39 is about the physical and spiritual blindness of those who cannot see the power and glory of God unless they are willing to believe and have faith.
39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
Setting the Scene for John 11:39
In John chapter 11, we find Jesus standing outside the tomb of his dear friend Lazarus, who had passed away four days earlier. The scene is filled with a mix of emotions – grief, confusion, and anticipation. Surrounding Jesus are Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, along with a crowd of mourners who had come to console them in their time of loss.
Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus when Lazarus fell ill, hoping that he would come and heal their brother. However, Jesus intentionally delayed his arrival, allowing Lazarus to die so that he could perform a miracle that would reveal God’s glory. As Jesus stands before the tomb, Martha expresses her concern about the stench that would come from opening the tomb, as Lazarus had been dead for four days. But Jesus reassures her, saying, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).
The scene is tense with anticipation as Jesus commands the stone to be rolled away from the entrance of the tomb. The onlookers hold their breath as Jesus calls out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). What happens next is nothing short of a miraculous display of Jesus’ power over death, as Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in burial cloths. The scene is a powerful testament to Jesus’ divinity and his ability to bring life even in the face of death.
What is John 11:39 about?
Jesus instructs to “take away the stone” in this verse, preparing to perform one of his most well-known miracles – the resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus is setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of his divinity and power over death by asking for the stone to be removed from the tomb where Lazarus lay. This simple command signifies the importance of faith and obedience in witnessing miraculous acts of God. Jesus called for the stone to be moved to reveal the glory of God, reminding us to trust in God’s timing and wisdom even when things seem impossible or hopeless. It prompts us to reflect on any “stones” in our lives – obstacles, doubts, or fears that may be blocking us from experiencing God’s transformative and miraculous work. We create space for God to work in our lives and reveal his power and grace in ways we never thought possible by taking away these figurative stones.
So, as we ponder on this verse, let us consider: What “stones” are blocking the light of God in our hearts? Are we willing to remove these barriers and make room for God’s miracles to unfold in our lives? May we have the faith and courage to trust in God’s plan and witness the wonders that can happen when we obey his word, just as Lazarus experienced resurrection when the stone was taken away.
Understanding what John 11:39 really means
In the narrative of the raising of Lazarus in John 11:39, we witness a pivotal moment where Jesus instructs the removal of the stone from Lazarus’ tomb. This act, seemingly simple yet profound, holds layers of significance that resonate with our own experiences and challenges. As Martha expresses concern about the odor emanating from the decaying body, we are confronted with the tension between human doubt and divine possibility.
“Take away the stone,” Jesus commands, a directive that goes beyond the physical act of moving a barrier. It symbolizes a call to faith and obedience in the face of death and decay. In our lives, we encounter metaphorical stones that block us from experiencing the fullness of God’s power—barriers of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. Like those present at Lazarus’ tomb, we are challenged to trust in God’s ability to bring life where there seems to be only death.
Martha’s response, “Lord, by this time there is a bad odor,” reflects our inclination to focus on the immediate and tangible aspects of our circumstances. It mirrors our tendency to doubt the possibility of transformation and renewal in the face of overwhelming odds. Yet, Jesus’ response to Martha’s doubt is a gentle reminder that God’s power transcends our human limitations and understanding.
In Mark 5:36, we hear Jesus saying, “Don’t be afraid; just believe,” echoing the call to faith in the midst of impossibility. This message reverberates through the ages, urging us to trust in God’s promises even when the situation seems dire. Romans 4:17 reinforces the truth that God can bring life to the dead and call into existence things that were not, underscoring the theme of transformation and renewal present in the raising of Lazarus.
The relevance of John 11:39 to our lives today is profound. We are called to step out in faith, to remove the stones of doubt and fear that hinder us from experiencing God’s power. Just as the stone was rolled away from Lazarus’ tomb, we are invited to believe in the possibility of transformation and renewal in our own lives, no matter how bleak the circumstances may seem.
Consider the analogy of a person struggling with addiction, feeling trapped in a cycle of despair much like Lazarus in the tomb. By taking steps of faith—seeking help, praying, and trusting in God’s power—they can experience a resurrection of hope and new life. Just as Lazarus was brought back from the grip of death, individuals can find freedom and renewal through faith in God’s transformative power.
In conclusion, John 11:39 challenges us to confront our doubts, remove the barriers that hinder our faith, and trust in God’s ability to bring life where there seems to be only death. It calls us to believe in the miraculous possibilities that lie beyond our comprehension and to embrace the hope of transformation and renewal that God offers to all who believe.
How can we have faith in the midst of doubt?
We can find faith through the example of Jesus in the verse from John 11 in times of doubt. Despite the doubts and skepticism of those around Him, Jesus demonstrated unwavering faith in the power of God. He believed in the greater plan and purpose, even when others questioned and doubted.
Like Jesus, we can choose to focus on our faith in God’s promises and trust in His timing, especially when faced with uncertainty or doubt. We can strengthen our faith and find hope in the midst of doubt by turning to prayer, seeking guidance through Scripture, and leaning on the support of fellow believers. Having faith in God’s plan can ultimately help us navigate challenges with confidence and trust in His greater purpose for our lives.
Application
Imagine Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb, like your boss asking you to take on a challenging project or a family member turning to you in a time of need. When situations seem impossible, hold on to your faith like a beacon. Don’t let doubts or fears tie you down. Take that step, trust in the promises. Will you rise to the occasion and embrace the miracles that faith can bring?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.