John 11:17-21 (NRSV)
Read John 11:17-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 17When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Verse 18Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, Verse 19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. Verse 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Verse 21Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
Devotion
Martha rushes out to meet Jesus. He is late, and she does not mince words noting this. “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” But Jesus absorbs her reproach. Throughout their long friendship, he has welcomed her blunt assertions. Her strength, intelligence, and persistent need for justice endear her to him. He respects and loves her. Thus, in spite of his delay, she still believes that he is the Messiah, the Son of God…and that those who believe in him will live, even though they die.
Prayer
Jesus, we often feel that you are too late—that you have dithered while we watch those we love suffer. Thank you for returning even our most caustic reproaches with your gift of life.