“When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:1-4).
Bethany seems to have been a special place (village) for our Lord.
Here are some facts: its name means “house of dates” – remember Bethlehem? Its name means “house of bread”.
Bethany was situated about two miles from Jerusalem (John 11:18).
Jesus visited this village during His earthly ministry, more than once.
On this occasion, Jesus came to offer His “condolences” (maybe more than that) to the grieving family – one of His friends, Lazarus, was dead.
His words of comfort? “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).
For the people present, Jesus’ words sounded different: for some they were words of great teaching of God’s authority and power; for others they were a theological statement spoken by a Rabbi; for others those words were an utter blasphemy.
For Martha and Mary, His words brought into memory God’s promise (John 11:24). Jesus reminded her that He is the resurrection and life…
Martha could have thought: “Lord, I don’t really know what you mean…but I know that You are the Christ, the Son of God who was to come…”
No wonder John wrote (John 20:31). We may not understand all the implications of God’s word, but what is needed is our faith in Him.
Bethany was an important place (a village at that) in the life of our Lord.
Here He rested before the tragic events that followed, culminating with His death on the cross. Also here, at Bethany, His body was anointed with expensive perfume (Mark 4:8).
Pastor Alois