The ManicaPost
Evangelist Peter Madondo
THE account of John 11:39: “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 had been dead four days.”
This goes down in history, not only as sentiments echoed on the very last miracle of Jesus before the pertinent crucifixion, but also arguably the master of all the miracles.
Jesus proved his human side by resurrecting a socialite in the mould of Lazarus, a man who dwelt in a place called Bethany. Bethany was a place that was possibly a mile or so from Jerusalem and Jesus could go unwind and relax away from the pressing commitments of teaching and healing the sick and lame with Lazarus.
However, nature took its course and Lazarus was called to join his endless list of ancestors who had taken heed of the proverbial call by the Master. He died. Despite such devastating news reaching Jesus, the son of Man never saw the urgency in rushing to Bethany for the funeral. Jesus was neither moved by the fact that his friend would be buried in his absence, nor did He seems to care about Lazarus sisters, Martha and Mary’s grieving.
It was the Jewish belief that they were convinced that someone was truly dead after a period of four days. Jesus was so sure that the doubt and unbelief of the Jews would dilute the greatest miracle that Jesus had up his sleeve. Come to think what was in Mary and Martha’s minds when the man they used to treat to some delicacies was not available at a time they needed him most.
Four days down the line, Jesus surfaces at the place.
It is important to know that mourners were yet to disperse. Inference would tell me that they criticised him immensely for his lack of love and consideration. The behaviour of Jesus in this account did not baffle the general observers, but also His closest disciples who could not understand why the man who claimed to be the most compassionate was behaving in that manner.
Upon arrival, it became evident that Jesus was really missed in this time of needy. The sisters went and welcomed Him albeit in grief. They narrated the ordeal and cursed the absence of Jesus. They had so much faith that the situation could have been otherwise had Jesus been around.
Their narration prompted to what John recorded and has gone down into the Bible history as the shortest verse. John 11:35: “Jesus wept”.
I am compelled to pose the question: Do we have a sound relationship with Jesus that He will weep upon your death? Driven by great love and compassion, Jesus asked about where they had buried his friend. When he got to the grave site, He asked the onlookers to roll away the stone. Martha hastened to rebuke Jesus about the stench that was going to ooze out of the grave. Certainly the foul smell was going to be intolerable and I can’t help seeing people squeezing their noses and some even vomiting before the stone was even rolled away.
Even the women who had the greatest of losses were against the idea, but Jesus had something special.
Martha said NO LORD HE STINKETH.
Many today are in advanced state of decomposition spiritually and morally. The closest people around you have declared that you are beyond remedy and the best you can bring this out is the disgusting stench.
A host of people have pronounced your womb dead and already stinking. Even the man who should be standing by you has already cast his eyes somewhere else because you are stinking by now. You possibly have been entangled in drugs and you are now stinking. Jesus is waiting by your side and is saying stench or what, roll away the stone.
The Lazarus scenario left many religious leaders with their mouths ajar. They had not made a mistake in confirming the death of Lazarus.
The worms had already started feasting on Lazarus. The body fluids were definitely flowing out of the lifeless man. In that state beyond medical explanation, Jesus resurrected Lazarus.
Today is a day that you should be smiling again.
Yes, you might be stinking in the eyes, ears and nose of men, but Jesus sees you at your very best. Acts 4:12: “For there is no any other name that can save us other than Jesus.” He is willing to give you a second chance to migrate from the stench to a sweet scent. While you feel neglected by those who are supposed to love you, it is important to tell them to wait until Jesus arrive.
It is all up to you to heed the call of Jesus. Just like what Lazarus did, who walked out alive, you can also choose to do likewise by responding to the call of Jesus to repentance. Acts 17: 30: “Times of ignorance God has overlooked, but now he calls everyone to repent”
Accept Jesus and wipe away the stench.
