“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25
Four long days had passed. Two sisters sat sorrowfully in their home, mourning the loss of their beloved brother. On top of the sorrow, there were feelings of abandonment. Questions filled their minds as to why Jesus had ignored their messages about Lazarus being sick. They had fully expected Him to come quickly and heal their brother. Now Lazarus had been dead for four days and all hope was gone. Life would never be the same.
When a messenger arrived announcing that the Master was coming, Martha immediately rose and went out to meet Him. Her first words to Him were: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.”
Jesus said unto her: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” Martha confirmed her belief that He was the Christ, and went to call her sister, Mary, who also confronted Jesus with the statement: “if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”
We know the rest of the story that Jesus saw their great sorrow and He too cried. Then He asked to be taken to the tomb where Lazarus was laid, told them to take the stone away, and spoke the words, “Lazarus, come forth.”
In performing this great miracle, Jesus was demonstrating that He was the resurrection and the life. Lazarus would later die again. But Jesus had given Mary and Martha the assurance that He had the power over death and that for those who believed, there was life after death.
Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, and His resurrection from the grave, we have hope that even though our natural life will end, there is eternal life awaiting us. Each of us must decide to accept the salvation Jesus offers, repent of our sins and acknowledge Him as our Lord and Saviour. Then we do not fear death, knowing that we will rise again just as Jesus said.
The message of John 11:25-26 was not just for Mary and Martha. It is for each one of us today. The question we all must answer: “Believest thou this?”
Jesus, I believe you are the great I AM, and that believing in you, gives life today and a promise of resurrection in the future. Thank you for Who you are.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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