Even Now - John 11:1-3,17-27,32-44

The story of Lazarus is not just about a man raised from the dead—it’s about the God who meets us in our grief and transforms it.

Martha’s words to Jesus are raw and real: “Lord, if you had been here…” It’s the cry of every heart that has known loss, disappointment, or delay. She doesn’t hide her pain. She names it. And yet, in the same breath, she utters a phrase that changes everything: “Even now…”

Even now, when the tomb is sealed.

Even now, when hope seems buried.

Even now, when it feels too late.

Martha’s faith doesn’t deny her sorrow—it holds it in tension with trust. She believes Jesus can still do something. And Jesus responds not only with tears, but with resurrection.

This passage reminds us that Jesus is not distant from our pain. He weeps with us. He walks with us. And he calls life out of death.

Prayer:

God of life and love,

In moments when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed by grief, remind us that You are near.

Teach us to pray with Martha’s courage: “Even now…”

Even now, You are able. Even now, You are good.

Speak life into the places we’ve given up on.

Roll away the stones we’ve placed over our hope.

And help us to believe—not just in what You can do, but in who You are:

The Resurrection and the Life.

Amen.