John 11:21-27
11:21 a Lord, if only you had been here: Mary later repeated Martha’s words (11:32 b), because both sisters knew Jesus’ reputation as a healer. They concluded that Jesus would have healed Lazarus, but they did not imagine that Jesus would restore him from death.11:22 c whatever you ask: Martha thought that Jesus could still intervene in some way. Despite this, she objected when Jesus wanted to open the tomb (11:39 d); she wasn’t thinking that Jesus would raise her brother from the dead.
11:24 e when everyone else rises, at the last day: Martha misunderstood (cp. 11:11-13 f), thinking that Jesus was referring to the general resurrection of the dead at the end of time.
11:25 g Jesus helped Martha to believe in him not simply as a healer, but as one who vanquishes death.
• I am the resurrection and the life: Victory over death is an aspect of living in association with Jesus. Although his followers are still mortal, they will enjoy eternal life after death. Regarding Jesus’ I am statements, see the study note on 6:35.
Summary for John 11:26-27: 11:26-27 h Do you believe this? Jesus was not asking if Martha believed he could bring Lazarus from the grave. Rather, did she believe that life itself is linked to Jesus?
• “Yes, Lord”: Even though the full implications were beyond her comprehension, she acknowledged that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Yet she was surprised at the power he held.
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