Title: Knowing and Believe (John 11:17-27)
Contents
Subject: Knowing and believing
Verse: John 11:17-27
Then, the answer to the question of how to face death with joy is in today's text.
[ Glossary ]
(1) Greek way of thinking
(2) the beliefs one is willing to believe within the scope of understanding
1. A blessing of comfort (v. 19).
One of the six good deeds in Israel is to visit the sick. Even the Talmud, a Jewish guidebook, says that those who visit the sick will never go to hell. Also in the text, the brothers who comforted Lazarus' death received the blessing of believing in Christ, who is the glory and life of the resurrection. That is why the Bible also emphasizes comfort (Ecclesiasts 9:2,3, Romans 12:15).
2. Martha's faith (vv. 21-24).
Martha's faith in the text reveals an ignorant faith (verse 21). I am sorry that you came too late and now you are dead. However, this is a mistake that comes from not knowing the deep meaning of Jesus. David also once complained about God while fleeing, but then repented (Psalm 42:5).
And she was a woman of retrospective faith (verses 21), of limited faith in her rational knowledge (verses 22-24). The word 'know' is used twice in the text, but this is not realizing by the work of the Holy Spirit, but rather speaking of rational knowledge. We must realize and know it in our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:13; :6).
The word Martha twice 'knows' in the text is theoretical knowledge that is not literally believed. The Hebrew way of thinking asks the question, 'Why?' to confirm who the true Creator is. So, after Elijah prayed, there was no rain for three years and six months, and when he prayed again, it rained, and James testified of the power of the living God. (James 5:17,18).
Saints!
Is our faith the faith we know or the faith we believe in?
Jesus is the resurrection and the life. When he dwells in me, I will live again in an immortal, spiritual body.
This is where death can be naturally greeted with joy.