DAILY TEXT, Today's Friday, January 31, 2025, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died (John 11:21).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2025

Friday, January 31, 2025

Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died (John 11:21).

According to Martha's words that we read in today's text, Jesus could have healed Lazarus. But he planned to do something much more impressive. He promised Martha: “Your brother will rise.” Furthermore, he said to him: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:23, 25). That's right, God gave Jesus the power to bring life back. Until then, Jesus had already resurrected a girl shortly after his death and a young man, apparently on the same day he died (Luke 7:11-15; 8:49-55). But could he resurrect someone who had been dead for four days and who had already begun to decompose? Mary, Lazarus' other sister, approached Jesus and said the same thing as Martha: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32). Seeing Mary and other people crying, Jesus became very sad. The compassion he felt for his friends brought tears to his eyes. He understood how painful it is to lose a loved one and wanted to put an end to the situation that was making them suffer so much. w23.04 10, 11 paras. 12, 13.

What did Jesus promise Martha, and why could she trust him to keep it? (John 11:23-26).

(Read John 11:23-26). When Martha finds out that Jesus is near Bethany, she immediately goes to see him. He tells him: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). It is true that he could have cured Lazarus, but he plans to do something much more impressive. Jesus promises Martha: “Your brother will rise.” Furthermore, he strengthens his faith in what he has promised by telling him: “I am the resurrection and the life.” That's right, God has given Jesus the power to bring life back. Until then, Jesus had already resurrected a girl shortly after his death and a young man, apparently on the same day he died (Luke 7:11-15; 8:49-55). But could he resurrect someone who had been dead for four days and who had already begun to decompose?

According to John 11:32-35, how does Jesus react when he sees Mary and others crying? (See also the drawing).

(Read John 11:32-35). Let's visualize the scene. Mary, the other sister of Lazarus, approaches Jesus and tells him the same thing as Martha: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Both she and those who accompany her are devastated. Seeing and hearing them crying, Jesus becomes very sad. The compassion he feels for his friends brings tears to his eyes. He understands how painful it is to lose a loved one and wants to put an end to the situation that is making them suffer so much.

What does Jesus' reaction to Mary's tears teach us about Jehovah?

Jesus' reaction to Mary's tears teaches us that Jehovah is a God of tender compassion. Why can we say this? Because, as we saw in the previous article, Jesus perfectly reflects the way of thinking and feeling of his Father (John 12:45). So when we read that Jesus wept when he saw the pain of his friends, we know that Jehovah is also deeply moved when he sees our tears of pain. (Ps. 56:8) Doesn't knowing this make us want to get closer to our loving God?

According to John 11:41-44, what happens at Lazarus' tomb? (See also the drawing).

(Read John 11:41-44). Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus and asks that the stone blocking the entrance be removed. But Marta tells him that the body must already smell bad. Jesus responds: “Didn't I tell you that if you believed you could see the glory of God?” (John 11:39, 40). Then Jesus looks up to heaven and says a prayer in front of everyone. He wants to give all the credit to Jehovah for what is about to happen. Then he shouts: “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus comes out of the tomb. Jesus has just done what seemed impossible to some (see study note on John 11:17).

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.