O At this point, many know who Jesus was. But some still doubted His love for human beings. That probably hurt Christ the most, that people including Mary doubted His compassion. It's difficult for them to grasp what his Messiahship is really about. As he was crucified later in the later Act, time and time again disbelieving Jews asked for proof of His claim to be the Sent One. Perform something to prove it. Then they will believe. Their concept of a Messiah is entirely skewed.

"Do you believe this?" he asked of Martha. Do the people believe that Life is within their grasp at that moment when they no longer have to wait for any last resurrection no more? The Kingdom of God is truly at hand.

Jesus in his glorified state is where he just loves people to death and will do anything to restore their humanity and their true image. We become fully human and fully alive when we see that. He demonstrates the miracle of Lazarus so that people, including his disciple can the see the glory of God - Love at work. And so that they are given, "new grounds for believing" (v15)

A I know this Jesus, Heard rumors about him, sermons about the man and even saw representations of him in plays, musicals and films. But do I believe in the Sent One? Who was sent to bear the sins of the world. Not just because the world desperately needed saving but because God absolutely loves it. Every substance of it. And He wants to fill it with His image-bearers.

Many times I asked the same question as Mary, "If only you had been here, Master. This wouldn't have happened." I cease to be a believer in Jesus Christ at that point. Because the Sent One is sent essentially not because the we needed pity or salvation but because I, a human being made in God's image is loved by the Father. How many times must I doubt His love in the light of my circumstance? Dare I question His compassion even for times when I was left four days in the graveyard? Or even in anxiety before an unseen future? The reason I fear it is precisely because I cannot grasp the unseen world. Yet Love drives out all fear. Dare I put my faith in Love who would not let me die in the tomb but command me to rise again? Even so in my stifling unbelief, Christ wants give me new grounds for believing. For even God the Father hears these prayers.

P Master, I know Christ, the Son of God who came into this world with compassion. But deep in my heart, there is constricted space to trust your heart. To believe You truly love me and would not leave me to die. Even so Lord, help me with my unbelief. Give me new grounds for believing; to see the panoramic view of your Glory. Unwrap me in my cadaver, set me loose and display your God-signs that you have plans to prosper and not to harm me. To give me a hope and a future. Even in the tomb of death, with the stench of fear pemeating within its crevices, call me out into restoration with Your words. The question is not "Master, if only you had been here," for you've always been. Rather it is "Do I believe that You are the Resurrection and the Life?" Even as Christ knows without reservation that You Father listens to his prayer, so I'm certain and grateful that You hear these scattered pieces of my heart's cry.


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