Complaining Faith
Last week I picked on Martha and usually that is enough but I am going to pick on her again!
John 11:14-15 (KJV)
14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
John 11:17-27 (KJV)
17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Jesus knew that his friend Lazarus was dead and he knew he needed to see him.
When he arrived someone told Jesus that Lazarus had been dead 4 days already. (Saying it’s too late)
1 Complaining Faith
When she heard Jesus was coming Martha went out 15 furlongs or 2 miles to meet him. But not to welcome him she came to complain!
John 11:21-22 (KJV)
21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
Martha said she believed but not that Jesus could do it! She was looking for someone to blame!
Complaining faith isn’t truly faith it is questioning or doubting
· It asks did Jesus do His best did He answer my prayer or just fumble it up?
· If Jesus really knows what is best or do we really know better
· It questions does Jesus really care?
Matthew 8:26 (KJV)
26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
2 Basic Faith
John 11:23-24 (KJV)
23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Martha had a basic faith a faith in God in scriptures. She believed in resurrection at the end.
The world even many Christians today have a lot of basic faith a faith that there is a God a son a Holy Spirit but not in the chance of experiencing anything.
Matthew 7:21 (KJV)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Basic faith says there is some God
James 2:19 (KJV)
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2 Timothy 3:5 (KJV)
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Radical faith says God is about to do something!
3 Martha ended up with a trusting faith
John 11:25–27 (KJV)
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Jesus told her I am the resurrection and the life! Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die! Jesus asked her do you believe
Verse 27 she said yes Lord I believe you are the Christ the son of God which should come inot the world!
She might have still had some worry but she made a statement that she believed Jesus was the true messiah
1 John 5:12 (KJV)
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
John 14:6 (KJV)
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Do you believe have you had a complaining faith? Are you the type that says Jesus if you were only listening to my prayer you surely could have helped or are you expecting God to be glorified by the hard times you face?
Or do you have a basic faith there is a God but he can’t hear nor answer prayers
Matthew 17:19–20 (KJV)
19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.