11:20-22
When they hear that Jesus is coming, Martha runs out to greet Him, while Mary stays at home. This is consistent with the picture painted in Lk 10:38-42. Martha says to Jesus “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you”. These words can be taken in various ways. The initial part could be a rebuke of Jesus, chastising Him for not being here sooner. Or it could just be an exclamation of grief. Personally, I think there is at least an element of rebuke or regret in Martha’s words. The second part is taken by some as meaning Martha believed that Jesus could still raise Him, but the subsequent words, especially 11:39, tend to count against this. Maybe it is Martha’s way of showing that she still believes in Jesus, despite her loss.
11:23,24
Jesus tells Martha that her brother will rise again. Martha, naturally, understood this to mean that this would take place on the last day, which is what we all believe. By the way, it indicates that a belief of sorts in the resurrection existed at the time in Judaism. Marth confirms that this is how she is taking Jesus’ words, and the words are a comfort of sorts.
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