Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
John 11:39 (BSB)
“Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.”” — John 11:39
In this moment, you can almost feel the tension in the air. Jesus is standing outside a tomb, and he tells them to roll away the stone. Martha, the dead man's sister, immediately speaks up, and there's a mix of fear and disbelief in her voice. She’s worried about the smell because her brother has been dead for four days. You can sense her struggle between hope and reality, a deep emotional pull that many of us face when we confront situations that seem impossible. It’s like she’s saying, 'Are you sure about this? This is a big deal!' This verse captures a powerful moment of vulnerability and the clash between expectation and reality.
This story comes from the Gospel of John, written by one of Jesus' closest friends. John wanted to share these incredible experiences to show people who Jesus truly is. He includes this detail about Martha’s hesitation because it highlights our human emotions. John understands that we often grapple with doubt and fear, especially in difficult times. He shares this to connect with you on a personal level, reminding you that even the people closest to Jesus had their moments of uncertainty.
When this was written, the world was a mix of different cultures and beliefs, and people were searching for hope amidst tough times. The Jewish community had a strong belief in life after death, but witnessing someone come back to life was unheard of! This moment is set in the first century, a time of great expectation and longing for change. Understanding this backdrop helps you appreciate the gravity of Jesus’ actions and the hopes riding on his words.
This specific verse is crucial for you today because it speaks to those moments in life when things seem hopeless or impossible. When you face challenges that feel insurmountable, remember Martha’s reaction. It’s okay to feel doubt! But this verse also invites you to think about what happens when you take a step of faith, even in the face of fear. It reminds you that sometimes, the most profound miracles happen when we dare to move the stone away and confront what feels dead in our lives.
This week, think about something in your life that feels impossible or overwhelming. Maybe it's a relationship that's strained, a dream that seems out of reach, or a challenge that feels too big to tackle. Take a moment to 'roll away the stone'—what would it look like to face that situation head-on? Write down one action step you can take this week, no matter how small, to address it. Maybe it's reaching out to someone, having a difficult conversation, or simply taking a moment to pray or reflect on your feelings. Just like Martha, you can move forward despite your doubts.
To understand this moment, you need to look at the whole story that's unfolding. Earlier, Jesus received news that his friend Lazarus was sick, but he didn’t rush to help. By the time he arrives, Lazarus has already died. Martha and her sister Mary are heartbroken, and the community is mourning. This moment is pivotal because it sets the stage for what’s about to happen—Jesus is about to perform a miracle. When he asks to remove the stone, it’s not just about getting to Lazarus; it’s a challenge to the disbelief and despair that everyone is feeling. This is the turning point that leads to an incredible revelation about life, death, and faith.
What is one situation in your life where you feel hesitant, like Martha, to confront the reality of the situation? How might facing it head-on change your perspective?
Keep reading the full John 11:39 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free