KEY SCRIPTURE: John 11:29 KJV “As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.”

Our key scripture tells us about Jesus’ reaction to Mary and the Jews who accompanied her, to console her. Why did Jesus groan? Groaning in the first place can mean inner sorrow, an expression of sadness, and can also be described as an expression of the dislike of something or a desire for a change in a condition. Some have said, Jesus groaned, because He was moved by the ravages of sin, that brought death, destruction, and deprivation to man. Another also said He groaned because He was praying within Himself. Now let’s consider the background of these events. The Lord was informed about the ailment of Lazarus and was invited to heal him. He deliberately by the influence of the Spirit delayed, so Lazarus would die, and then raise him, from death. This He said would bring glory to the Father through the Son. If He deliberately delayed, so He could raise Him from the dead, why would He groan, because the man was dead? This explanation cannot answer the puzzle.

When the Lord met Martha earlier, the moment Martha said, she ‘ knows God would answer every request Jesus makes to the Father,’ the Lord quickly answered her, by saying, your brother would rise again. (Martha made a statement of faith, which attracted, corresponding results from Jesus.) This time Mary complained about Jesus’ delay and then started weeping.

 I believe the Lord’s groaning was a sign of His dislike for their unbelief.

 The Lord Jesus throughout His ministry gave great regard to an atmosphere of faith. He quickly rebuked actions and attitudes of unbelief. I believe Mary was one of the people who had heard the Lord teach in a number of places, and so should have expressed more confidence in the master. She rather complained that Jesus came too late, and that was why her brother had died. Never complain about God’s works, but express confidence in Him.

Dear child of God, unbelief grieves the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus expects faith from His children all the time. God is permitted to take action when true faith is set into motion.

What does acting in faith mean?

1. It means one believes in the existence of God Heb 11:6

2. Faith in God means you believe God is just, or truthful and would do as He has said  Rom 1:17

3. Faith in God also means you are trusting in nothing else, but have cast your very life and dependence on Him. This is what places a man in the secret place of the most high. PS 91:1

4. Last, but not least, faith in God gives Him an avenue   to act on the human plain, bringing, glory to His name John 2;11

CONFESSION

Thank you, heavenly Father, for your word that builds faith in us. My faith in you keeps me in your secret place. I am therefore secured from all dangers.

FURTHER STUDIES

Joh 2:11 KJV” This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

Heb 11:6 KJV” But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.