Today’s reading from John 11 is one of the most dramatic and moving accounts in the Bible. One of Jesus’ friends, Lazarus, was seriously ill. When the Lord was told about it, He didn’t immediately go to his friend’s bedside; He only travelled there after Lazarus had already died.

Lazarus’ sisters said to Jesus, “if only you had been here, [our] brother would not have died.” (vv. 21, 32) On one level, this statement demonstrated extraordinary faith – Mary & Martha trusted in Jesus’ divine power to heal people. But they were not necessarily convinced that this power extended beyond death.

Whenever I read this text, I always find myself thinking, “if only they knew how the story ends!” The Lord Jesus ended up raising Lazarus from the dead, four days after he had died. It was perhaps Jesus’ greatest miracle, apart from His own resurrection.

Most people do not get to experience such miracles. In this life we will face suffering, pain and grief. There is a great deal of unrest and uncertainty in the world at present. Maybe our attitude to God might be something like that of Mary & Martha (“if only You had done/would do such and such…”).

Yet God’s Word has wonderful comfort and hope for us. Revelation 21 gives us a beautiful picture of eternity for all who trust in the Lord Jesus. “God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (vv. 3b,4)

So if you are despairing or discouraged, remember that there is a perfect ending to the story, for all who have put their faith in Christ.