Why Jesus Delayed: Mary and Martha

"4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. 5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 7Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again." (John 11: 4-7)

Many of us many find ourselves in times of doubting, wondering why our miracles, or our deliverance from certain trying circumstances is taking so long.

Here, we find a clear example of Jesus delaying a miracle. "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus."

The two sisters had just told Jesus that "the one whom you love" is sick. Yet because this sickness would not lead to death, Jesus did not worry about hurrying.

Why? Because Lazarus did die, what was Jesus talking about?

He was indeed going to raise him from the dead, but why would Jesus delay?

"For the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."

Every time there is a delay in our lives, it is all about our gaining a greater revelation of Jesus!

"Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." (jJohn 11: 21-27)

Martha first had to acknowledge that Jesus had authority before God the Father. Yet still her revelation of Jesus had to increase.

"I am the resurrection and the life."

This declaration was more than about Jesus identify Himself, but directly informing Martha that He is resurrection. He is life. She would not have to wait for her brother to live again, because Life in person was present to help her.

Our delay for a miracle is ultimately based on how little we know Him, or how powerful His is! Martha declared that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed one who came into the world, to die for us, to grant us everlasting righteousness (Daniel 9: 24) and eternal life (John 3: 16).

How do you see Jesus? Do you see him as a sometime help? Or do you see Him as Life Himself?