17. Jesus arrived in Bethany and found that Lazarus had already been dead and in the tomb for four days.
18. Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem.
19. Many Jews had come to see Martha and Mary. They came to comfort them about their brother Lazarus.
20. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to greet him. But Mary stayed home.
21. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22. But I know that even now God will give you anything you ask.”
23. Jesus said, “Your brother will rise and be alive again.”
24. Martha answered, “I know that he will rise to live again at the time of the resurrection on the last day.”
25. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection. I am life. Everyone who believes in me will have life, even if they die.
26. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never really die. Martha, do you believe this?”
27. Martha answered, “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God. You are the one who was coming to the world.”
28. After Martha said these things, she went back to her sister Mary. She talked to Mary alone and said, “The Teacher is here. He is asking for you.”
29. When Mary heard this, she stood up and went quickly to Jesus.
30. He had not yet come into the village. He was still at the place where Martha met him.
31. The Jews who were in the house comforting Mary saw her get up and leave quickly. They thought she was going to the tomb to cry there. So they followed her.