Skill in Shepherding

John 11:17–27

[17] Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. [18] Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, [19] and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. [20] So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. [21] Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” [23] Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” [24] Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” [25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, [26] and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” [27] She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Lazarus had passed away. Jesus came to his friends in Bethany to bring comfort, assurance, and ultimately, resurrection. When he drew near, Martha ran to him with appropriate concern: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." She then revealed her faith in Jesus by acknowledging that God would give him whatever he asked. Jesus responded with compassion and theological clarity. "Your brother will rise again," he said. Martha assumed Jesus' reference was to the ultimate day of resurrection at the end of history (Psalm 16:9-11; 17:15; 49:16; 73:24, 26; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2). Jesus was referencing his presence as the resurrection and life. That is, Jesus wasn't there to merely bring resurrection. He was the resurrection. After he explained his meaning, he asked Martha, "Do you believe this?" She anew confessed Jesus as the Messiah. 

John 11:28–37

[28] When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” [29] And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. [30] Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. [31] When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. [32] Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. [34] And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” [35] Jesus wept. [36] So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” [37] But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus cared for Mary in a markedly different manner. Notice that Mary said the same thing as her sister: "Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died." The context for Mary's statement, however, was in tears. She wasn't seeking answers. She was heartbroken. Jesus asked where Lazarus had been laid and weeps for him beside her. 

The Good Shepherd

Jesus addressed the theological concern of Martha and the emotional brokenness of Mary according to their need at the moment. Both sisters acknowledged their faith in Jesus' ability to heal their brother. Both sisters grieved their loss in the presence of the one they knew could bring resurrection. Jesus answered Martha's questions and reassured her faith. He heard Mary's weeping and wept alongside her. 

All of the Lord's undershepherds could take a lesson from Christ here. First, know your people. Jesus had a long-standing relationship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He knew how different Mary and Martha were (Luke 10:38-42). Second, there is a time for theological instruction and a time to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Experience and the example of the good shepherd will help us know the difference.