Comfort is Myth

In the Greek, the word for comfort or console, as used in John 11:19,31, is παραμυθέομαι (paramytheomai). Paramythi means fairy tale. Paramytheomai is a combination of two words: para which means from, and myth which means myth. Consolation is from-myth.

The New Testament Greek teaches us that stories that console us might be fictional and need to be examined for their truthfulness. Especially when the consolers are hostile towards Jesus. Let's examine one such instance in John 11:1-45.

The chapter tells us that the people in Judea were hostile towards Jesus (verse 8). They wanted to stone Him. In fact when Jesus resolved to press on towards Judea, Doubting Thomas resigned, "Fine, let us also go, that we may die with him." (verse 16).

These same hostile Jews were consoling Mary and Martha after the death of Lazarus.

We can only imagine what they might have been saying. "It's ok; Jesus didn't come in time, but we're here for you. He could have prevented this tragedy, but I guess He was too busy."

Whatever words these people were using, Mary and Martha were polluted by the consolation as evidenced by their response to Jesus when He did arrive.

Martha said, "If You would have been here, my brother would not have died." (verse 21). She was blaming Jesus for Lazarus' death.

Mary met Jesus separately and also stated the same exact sentiment, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." (verse 32).

I wonder where they got this sentiment. Did the consoling Jews wear them down?

We must consider the stories we use to console ourselves and others.

Are the stories we take comfort in based on fact or fiction? Is our comfort coming from the Comforter, whose job it is to lead us into a deeper revelation of the Gospel? Or is our comfort coming from myths, comfortable substitutes for the truth?

Whenever we make a decision to draw near to Christ, a familiar spirit (something comfortable and consoling) will try to prevent us from going forward. "You don't need to go to church; they're all a bunch of hypocrites anyway."

Or, whatever the consoling myth might be.

Coming into a deeper level of truth always requires that we step beyond our comfort zone.