The Verse
King James Version (KJV): Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
New International Version (NIV): “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
English Standard Version (ESV): Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.”
Introduction
Have you ever faced a situation where your faith is tested by the reality of your circumstances? In John 11:39, we encounter such a moment. Jesus stands before the tomb of Lazarus, a man who has been dead for four days. The air is thick with tension. Jesus’ command to remove the stone challenges the crowd and, most of all, Martha, who is caught in a struggle between hope and resignation. This verse invites us to ponder the boundaries between faith and doubt.
Historical Context
The Gospel of John, traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, was written around 90-100 AD. This passage is set in the village of Bethany, where Jesus performed one of His most significant miracles: raising Lazarus from the dead. The event not only prefigures Jesus’ own resurrection but also serves to strengthen the faith of His disciples and followers, illustrating His power over life and death.
Key Word Analysis
Stone: In Greek, the word is ‘lithos.’ It symbolizes obstacles or barriers in our path that need divine intervention to be moved.
Stinketh/odor: Indicative of decay, it signifies the hopelessness of the situation from a human perspective.
Four days: The number four signifies completeness in Hebrew, indicating that Lazarus was truly dead and beyond natural help.
Spiritual Insight
This verse reveals Jesus’ authority over death and His willingness to confront human doubts to demonstrate God’s glory. It shows that our limitations do not constrain divine power. Jesus invites us to trust in His word, even when reality seems to dictate otherwise. The command to remove the stone is a call to prepare for God’s miraculous work.
Life Application
In our lives, we often face ‘stones’ that block us from experiencing God’s promises—be it fear, doubt, or past failures. John 11:39 encourages us to trust Jesus’ words and remove the stones that hinder our faith. As we do, we open ourselves to the miraculous works God wants to perform in and through us.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
My child, I see the heavy stones you carry, those burdens that seem immovable. Remember, nothing is beyond My reach. Trust in Me, and do not be afraid to roll away the barriers that doubt creates. I am the resurrection and the life; come and see what I can do when you believe.
Prayer Prompt
Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, who calls us to roll away the stones of doubt. Help us to trust in Your power and to believe in Your promises, even when our circumstances seem hopeless. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Why did Jesus ask for the stone to be removed?
Ans: Jesus asked for the stone to be removed to demonstrate faith in action and to prepare for the miracle of raising Lazarus.
Ques: What is the significance of 'four days' in the verse?
Ans: The mention of 'four days' signifies that Lazarus was truly dead, emphasizing the magnitude of the miracle.
Ques: What does this verse teach about faith?
Ans: This verse illustrates that faith sometimes requires us to act against our understanding and trust in God's power.
Ques: How can we apply this verse in modern life?
Ans: We can apply this verse by identifying and removing 'stones' that block our faith, trusting in Jesus' power to transform our situations.
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