17. When Jesus arrived, he found out that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.
18. Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem.
19. Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary. They had come to comfort them because their brother was dead.
20. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him. But Mary stayed at home.
21. "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "I wish you had been here! Then my brother would not have died.
22. But I know that even now God will give you anything you ask for."
23. Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
24. Martha answered, "I know he will rise again. This will happen when people are raised from the dead on the last day."
25. Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if he dies.
26. And those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
27. "Yes, Lord," she told him. "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God. I believe that you are the One who was supposed to come into the world."
28. After she said this, she went back home. She called her sister Mary to one side to talk to her. "The Teacher is here," Martha said. "He is asking for you."
29. When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.
30. Jesus had not yet entered the village. He was still at the place where Martha had met him.