“It’s not what you know but who you know that really matters.” Have you ever made that statement? I have. I said it recently when my daughter changed jobs with the help of a recommendation from her friend. 

I’m pretty sure that Lazarus and his sisters were depending on their connection to Jesus when Lazarus fell ill. He had dined in their home. Reading their story in John 11 feels like there is a closeness. This family was more than mere acquaintances with Jesus. The sisters called Lazarus Jesus’ dear friend. 

That’s why Mary and Martha just didn’t get Jesus’ response. Good grief, I don’t either Martha and Mary. I do because I have read Jesus’ explanation in the Scripture, but I don’t ’cause I am a sister and my heart goes out to these ladies as they were trying desperately to get help for their brother. Verse five can make your heart sink if you are a sissy and your Bubba is near death, “So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days. FINALLY [emphasis mine], he said to his disciples, ‘Let’s go back to Judea.'”

My word. 

Martha ran to Jesus when she heard He was about to arrive back in town. Mary was deep in grief. She stayed home. Gosh, don’t you know she wanted to punch someone like Malynne wanted to do in Steel Magnolias?

The Bible records several emotions from Jesus when He arrived back in Bethany – anger, sadness. I don’t comprehend all the feelings Jesus must have had swirling within. The disappointment His friends felt in Him, His disappointment with their unbelief, and His grief at the death of a dear friend. 

Jesus lived to glorify His father. Every action and decision He made was with that desire in mind. His obedience after all brought us forgiveness of our sins and eternal life. It is at this scene that Jesus reveals to Martha what it really means to know Him, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die.” God’s glory shined that day. When Jesus shouted “Lazarus, come out!” and Lazarus walked out bound in grave clothes, many believed. 

Jesus is life to us. He is our only hope. When this world beats down on us with all it’s got, we can rest in the knowing that we have life even after these bodies of ours give up. 

He solidifies our way to this everlasting life He has promised with John 14:6, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Quoting Lysa Terkeurst in Finding I AM, “Jesus doesn’t come to show a “better” way. There is no other way. There is one way, and that way is simply and solely through Christ.” 

It really does matter who you know. Do you know Jesus?

If you have never made Jesus your Lord and Savior, today can be your day. It’s pretty simple. Lord, I surrender my all to You. Forgive me where I have failed You and empower me with Your Holy Spirit to live for You the rest of my life. I welcome You into my heart, Jesus. I’m Yours and You are mine. In the name of Jesus, amen!