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John 11:21
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If thou hadst been here, my brother had not died - Mary said the same words to him a little after, Joh 11:32, which proves that these sisters had not a complete knowledge of the omnipotence of Christ: they thought he could cure at hand, but not at a distance; or they thought that it was because he did not know of their brother's indisposition that he permitted him to die. In either of these cases it plainly appears they had not a proper notion of his divinity; and indeed the following verse proves that they considered him in no other light than that of a prophet. Query - Was it not proper that Christ should, in general, as much as might be, hide the knowledge of his divinity from those with whom he ordinarily lodged? Had they known him fully, would not the reverence and awe connected with such a knowledge have overwhelmed them?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Then said Martha . . . Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died--As Mary afterwards said the same thing (Joh 11:32), it is plain they had made this very natural remark to each other, perhaps many times during these four sad days, and not without having their confidence in His love at times overclouded. Such trials of faith, however, are not peculiar to them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
When said Martha unto Jesus,.... When she was come to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here my brother had not died: which expresses much faith, but with a mixture of weakness, as if the presence of Christ was necessary for the working a cure; whereas he could as well have restored her brother to health absent, as present, had it been his will, as he did the centurion's servant, and the nobleman's son of Capernaum.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:21 Lord, if only you had been here: Mary later repeated Martha’s words (11:32), because both sisters knew Jesus’ reputation as a healer. They concluded that Jesus would have healed Lazarus, but they did not imagine that Jesus would restore him from death.
John 11:21
Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary
20So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him; but Mary stayed at home.21Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.22But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him.”
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K-029 Resurrection
By Art Katz2.1K59:15ResurrectionMAT 6:33JHN 10:27JHN 11:21JHN 11:25JHN 11:35JHN 11:38JHN 11:41In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a woman who was struggling in life and seeking salvation. He describes her physical appearance and emotional state, highlighting her desperation. The preacher then transitions to discussing the human tendency to be drawn to emotional experiences, particularly in times of mourning. He questions the significance of death and the excessive grief that often accompanies it. The preacher also shares a personal experience of feeling sadness and unease before a speaking engagement, but witnessing a powerful transformation in the audience after delivering a challenging message. He concludes by stating that sickness and death can ultimately serve to bring glory to God.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Lord, if You Had Been Here
By Erlo Stegen4911:12:07Purpose Of GodMAT 6:33JHN 11:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of jealousy and communism on individuals and communities. He shares a story about a gifted and intelligent person who refuses a promotion out of fear of jealousy and harm from others. The preacher emphasizes the importance of supporting and encouraging one another instead of pulling each other down. He also highlights the contrast between the communist doctrine of equality and the biblical concept of individual talents and differences. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of Mary and Martha, where Jesus assures Martha of his power and ability to answer prayers.
Dealing With Offence
By Albert Zehr2GEN 50:20ISA 62:10MAT 11:6MAT 15:12MAT 24:10MAT 26:31LUK 7:23JHN 6:61JHN 11:21HEB 12:51PE 2:23Albert Zehr preaches on the importance of dealing with offence in the church to prepare for God's mighty move. He emphasizes the need to remove stumbling blocks that hinder believers from joining the race, using examples like Absalom's downfall due to offence. Zehr highlights the value of overcoming offence, drawing from biblical figures like Joseph, Moses, and David who remained useful to God by not taking the bait of offence. He stresses the critical nature of addressing and resolving offences in these last days to avoid falling away and being deceived by false prophets.
Nothing of My Own
By K.P. Yohannan0Obedience to GodTrusting God's TimingPSA 27:14PRO 3:5ECC 3:1ISA 55:8JHN 5:19JHN 8:28JHN 11:4JHN 11:21JHN 11:43ROM 8:28K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound obedience of Jesus to the will of the Father, illustrating this through the story of Lazarus. Despite His deep love for Lazarus and his sisters, Jesus chose to delay His arrival, demonstrating that His actions were guided by divine purpose rather than human emotion. This delay served to reveal God's glory and power, as Lazarus was raised from the dead after four days. The sermon challenges listeners to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. Ultimately, it calls for a deeper understanding of living in accordance with God's will rather than our own desires.
Thoughts for the Quiet Hour - June 6
By D.L. Moody0Expectation in GodPrayerJHN 11:21D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of not limiting God in our prayers, as demonstrated in the conversation between Martha and Jesus regarding the resurrection of her brother. He encourages believers to approach prayer with a heart of worship and to expect God to do unexpected things beyond our understanding. By recognizing God's glory and our position in Christ, we can open ourselves to the vast possibilities of His power and grace. Moody reminds us that our faith should not be constrained by our own beliefs or expectations.
The Feet of Jesus-the Place for Personal Necessity - Part 4
By Philip Bennett Power0PSA 46:10MAT 11:28LUK 10:39JHN 4:23JHN 11:21PHP 4:6COL 3:23HEB 4:16JAS 4:8Philip Bennett Power preaches about the story of Mary and Martha at Jesus' feet, highlighting the importance of spiritual perception and deep devotion to Christ. The sermon emphasizes the different stages of spiritual development and the need to discern between outward service and inner communion with Jesus. It explores the significance of giving ourselves to Christ and receiving from Him, as well as the defense of Mary's choice to prioritize spiritual nourishment over worldly tasks. Jesus' response showcases His understanding, correction of mistaken views, and encouragement for all to seek close communion with Him.
John 11:1-27
By St. John Chrysostom0JHN 11:3JHN 11:9JHN 11:11JHN 11:15JHN 11:21JHN 11:26John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Lazarus, highlighting the importance of enduring suffering and sickness as beloved friends of God, like Lazarus, to bring glory to God. He emphasizes the faith and love of Lazarus' sisters, Martha and Mary, who believed in Christ's power even in the face of death. Chrysostom addresses the cultural practice of excessive mourning, urging women to mourn with dignity and faith in the resurrection, rather than in disbelief. He encourages believers to focus on heavenly wisdom, almsgiving, and a virtuous life to honor the departed and find comfort in God's grace.
John 11:17-27. Christ Converses With Martha at Bethany.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0JHN 6:40JHN 11:21JHN 11:23JHN 11:25JHN 11:32JHN 11:40JHN 11:43JHN 14:61CO 15:511TH 4:13Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the emotions Martha experienced when meeting Jesus after her brother Lazarus had died. Martha expressed a mix of joy for Jesus' arrival and grief for his delayed coming, not realizing it was a divine arrangement for a greater purpose. Jesus' response to Martha's sorrow and doubt was filled with compassion and a reminder of the power of belief in Him as the resurrection and the life. Mortimer emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus to truly live and never die, finding comfort and hope in His presence even in the face of death.
For God's Glory
By J. Stuart Holden0ISA 55:8JHN 11:21ROM 8:281CO 2:9EPH 3:20J. Stuart Holden preaches about Martha's misconception when she said, 'Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died' (John 11:21), highlighting how she did not realize that Lazarus' death was part of God's plan to display His glory and Christ's power. Martha had to learn that God's love surpasses human understanding, always exceeding expectations and working in ways beyond our comprehension, preparing us for greater blessings even when we face denial or loss.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If thou hadst been here, my brother had not died - Mary said the same words to him a little after, Joh 11:32, which proves that these sisters had not a complete knowledge of the omnipotence of Christ: they thought he could cure at hand, but not at a distance; or they thought that it was because he did not know of their brother's indisposition that he permitted him to die. In either of these cases it plainly appears they had not a proper notion of his divinity; and indeed the following verse proves that they considered him in no other light than that of a prophet. Query - Was it not proper that Christ should, in general, as much as might be, hide the knowledge of his divinity from those with whom he ordinarily lodged? Had they known him fully, would not the reverence and awe connected with such a knowledge have overwhelmed them?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Then said Martha . . . Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died--As Mary afterwards said the same thing (Joh 11:32), it is plain they had made this very natural remark to each other, perhaps many times during these four sad days, and not without having their confidence in His love at times overclouded. Such trials of faith, however, are not peculiar to them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
When said Martha unto Jesus,.... When she was come to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here my brother had not died: which expresses much faith, but with a mixture of weakness, as if the presence of Christ was necessary for the working a cure; whereas he could as well have restored her brother to health absent, as present, had it been his will, as he did the centurion's servant, and the nobleman's son of Capernaum.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:21 Lord, if only you had been here: Mary later repeated Martha’s words (11:32), because both sisters knew Jesus’ reputation as a healer. They concluded that Jesus would have healed Lazarus, but they did not imagine that Jesus would restore him from death.