Jesus raised His friend Lazarus from the dead. What was significant about the words of the dead man’s sister Martha when Lazarus still lay in the grave?

When Jesus heard the news of His friend’s death, He delayed going to the grave. (The delay of four days ensured that no one could misinterpret the miracle as a fraud or mere resuscitation.) Martha first said to Jesus upon His arrival, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (John 11:21–22). Martha’s words were not a rebuke of Jesus, but a testimony of her trust in His healing power. Martha was not saying that she believed Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead, but that she knew He had a special relationship to God so that His prayers could bring some good from this sad story.

With this miracle, Jesus authenticated His claims to be the Messiah and Son of God. No resurrection or eternal life exists outside of the Son of God. Time is no barrier to the one who has the power of resurrection and life for He can give life at any time.