by Tim Hall

"So if Jesus could raise the dead, why did He ask others to move the stone from the tomb where Lazarus was buried?" My question was posed to the Wednesday evening Bible class I was teaching. Our topic of study was John's account of the life of Christ, and our focus was on John 11. I expected to elicit the stock answer to that question: God will only do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. That would have been an appropriate answer.

The answer we heard caught me off guard. The respondent was a farmer, a man with no diplomas or certificates on his wall, but a man of wisdom and sharp insight. "He wanted them to move the stone so they could smell death," was his answer. Immediately I thought to myself, "What a great answer!" Indeed, moments before the stone was rolled away, Martha cautioned Jesus: "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days" (John 11:39, New King James Version).

This insight had never occurred to me (but then there are many insights I've yet to come upon). My view of this passage was now richer than before. There would be powerful benefits for the people standing by Lazarus' tomb. No one would doubt that this man had been dead. When they beheld him stepping forth from the tomb, there would be no questions about whether or not a miracle had been performed in their presence.

That Wednesday evening experience confirmed a principle I've seen demonstrated many times. When Christians come together to seriously study God's word, they will almost always leave with deeper understanding. Even the teacher will benefit, if the students are given opportunities to share their thoughts. Though I've been the one behind the podium, I've thanked God that I was privileged to be a student. The comments of others have helped me see more clearly.

Talking together about God's word will often stimulate us to greater comprehension and service. That's what the Hebrew writer was pointing to in Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." And when can such "stirring" take place? Read the next verse: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).

Some dread the Bible class hour and look for a pass to get out of the appointment. But those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will recognize the opportunity to be sharpened in their understanding of the Lord's wonderful will.