Chapter 7: The Stone

Jesus arrived at the tomb. It was a cave cut into rock, sealed with a large stone rolled across the entrance. The same kind of tomb He himself would occupy in a matter of weeks.

He stood before it and gave one instruction.

JESUS“Take away the stone.”— John 11:39

Martha stepped forward and pushed back.

MARTHA“Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”— John 11:39

Jesus turned to her. His answer was not a rebuke. It was a reminder of what she had already declared on the road outside the village.

JESUS“Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”— John 11:40

Martha had confessed her faith in words. Now Jesus was asking her to act on those words in front of everyone watching. The stone was rolled away.