John 11:34
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
John 11:34
Jesus asks, “Where have ye laid him?” and they guide Him to the tomb, “Lord, come and see.” The question is practical but laden with significance: Jesus seeks to engage the situation directly, to witness the grave and its outcome. The verb tense implies He is ready to participate in the scene as a living actor in the drama of resurrection. The invitation to “come and see” is an invitation to a miracle that will unfold before their eyes, to a revelation of God’s power in the ordinary circumstances of death and burial. The stone and tomb are not merely details; they symbolize the barrier that Jesus will overcome—death’s grip on life.
This moment foregrounds belief in visible revelation. Jesus’ request to see the tomb aligns with the narrative’s aim to display the glory that comes from the Father. It also frames faith as a response to what is seen and experienced, not simply to what is presumed. The act of approaching the tomb is a pivot from lament to anticipation of life, and it sets up the climactic miracle that will demonstrate Jesus’ authority over death.
In practical terms, this verse invites us to move from passive sorrow to active invitation of God into our most difficult places. If you face a “grave”—a dead-end situation, a failing plan, a broken relationship—invite Jesus to see it with you. Name the obstacle openly and ask Him to reveal what He intends to do. This could mean journaling your reflections, sharing your burden with a trusted friend, or initiating a difficult conversation with someone you’ve tried to avoid. The key is to invite Jesus into the place where despair resides, trusting that He can turn even the grave into a site of demonstration of life.
Cross-References: Psalm 24:7-10; Isaiah 55:8-9; Luke 18:41; John 5:19; John 11:38