Peace for the Grieving

Peace for the Disciples

Death disturbed their faith in the authority of Jesus.

John 11:3 CSB

So the sisters sent a message to him: “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

Jesus explained to them that God was still in control. (11:4)

John 11:4 CSB

When Jesus heard it, he said, “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Peace for Martha

Death disrupted Martha’s hopes and plans for the future. (v. 21-22)

John 11:21–22 CSB

Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Yet even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”

Jesus reassured her that he could restore the future. (v. 23-27)

John 11:23–27 CSB

“Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her. Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.”

Peace for Mary

Death challenged Mary’s trust in the love of Jesus.(v. 32)

John 11:32 CSB

As soon as Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and told him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died!”

Jesus wept with her. (v. 33-35)

John 11:33–35 CSB

When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, he was deeply moved in his spirit and troubled. “Where have you put him?” he asked. “Lord,” they told him, “come and see.” Jesus wept.

Peace for them all

Without resurrection, Jesus’ words would bring no peace.

Jesus raised Lazarus to prove that he brought peace and hope for everyone. (v. 41-42; 15)

John 11:41–43 CSB

So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you heard me. I know that you always hear me, but because of the crowd standing here I said this, so that they may believe you sent me.” After he said this, he shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

Peace for All

Grief is the right response to loss in this world.

The resurrection gives us hope, and hope can bring peace.

Grief is a journey—peace looks different at each stage.