Relationship, not Performance

 

October 28, 2025

 John 11:38–44

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Mark 11:22–24

22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

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In the scene above when Jesus stood at the tomb of Lazarus, He didn’t panic or plead. He prayed. “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me…” (John 11:41–42).

This moment highlights something profound about Jesus' faith: it was grounded in intimacy rather than effort. He found rest in the Father's love and authority, constantly abiding in the presence and purposes of God the Father.

When Jesus said, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22), He wasn’t merely sharing an inspirational phrase. He was inviting us into the same relationship that gave Him strength.  Jesus’ faith reflected His deep connection with the Father, a complete trust in God's goodness, even when circumstances seemed rather hopeless. 

At Lazarus's tomb, death seemed final. The crowd was skeptical, and Martha grieved. Yet, Jesus' faith stood firm, anchored not in visible circumstances but in His trust in the Father. Throughout the gospels, Jesus confidence in God's will allowed Him to proclaim life where others saw only hopelessness. 

I find that the same invitation is offered to us. Remember, faith is not a performance we create when life feels uncertain, it is a relationship we cultivate. By living in God’s presence, our hearts become aligned with His. Over time, we learn to trust His timing, His wisdom, and His ways, even when we cannot fully understand them.

Faith that rests in God the Father declares, “I know whom I have believed.” It seeks the quiet confidence that the God who raised Lazarus still works today, bringing life from what seems lifeless, bringing hope from despair, and offering purpose from confusion.

Let's Pray


Father, help me believe as Jesus believed, in Your goodness and power. Teach me to rest in Your will, even when I don’t see what the outcome will be. Let my faith grow not through effort, but through intimacy with You.
Amen.