The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1-44)
Scripture: John 11:1-44 (CSB)
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" (John 11:25-26)
In John 11, Jesus makes one of His most powerful declarations: He is the resurrection and the life. This chapter tells the story of Lazarus, a beloved friend of Jesus who has fallen ill and died. While the story revolves around Lazarus, at the heart of this passage is Jesus’ demonstration of His authority over life and death, and His promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him.
Martha, Lazarus’ sister, approaches Jesus with a mixture of faith and grief. She believes Jesus could have healed her brother if He had arrived earlier, but struggles to fully grasp that Jesus can still work in the present, even in the face of death. In response, Jesus assures her that Lazarus will rise again, not just in the future resurrection, but immediately through His divine power.
This passage highlights the tension between human despair and divine hope. While those around Lazarus are focused on his death and the finality of the tomb, Jesus calls them to lift their eyes beyond the present moment and believe in His power to bring life from death. With the words, “Lazarus, come out,” Jesus demonstrates His authority over death, calling Lazarus from the grave, and foreshadowing His own resurrection to come.
The story of Lazarus reveals a profound truth: even when all hope seems lost, Jesus has the final word. Death does not have the last say in the life of a believer. Through Him, we have the promise of eternal life, and even in our most difficult moments, we can trust in His power to bring hope and life where there once was despair.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
Jesus is the Source of Life: Jesus declares Himself as the resurrection and the life, meaning that all life, both now and eternally, is found in Him. Are you placing your trust in the life that Jesus offers? In moments of grief, doubt, or fear, remember that Jesus holds the power over life and death.
Faith in the Face of Impossible Circumstances: Martha believed in Jesus, but her faith was limited by her human understanding. She thought Jesus was too late to help. How often do we, like Martha, doubt Jesus’ ability to move in the present? Ask yourself: Where in your life do you need to trust Jesus’ timing and power, even when things seem hopeless?
Jesus is Present in Our Grief: One of the most comforting moments in this passage is when Jesus weeps alongside those mourning Lazarus. He is not distant from our pain but enters into it with us. How does knowing that Jesus cares deeply about your grief impact your relationship with Him? Allow His compassion to comfort you in times of loss.
Jesus Has Power Over Death: The resurrection of Lazarus is a picture of the eternal hope we have in Christ. Death is not the end for those who believe in Jesus. Are you living with an eternal perspective? In times of fear or uncertainty, remember that Jesus has conquered death, and in Him, you have eternal life.
This story challenges us to live with faith in the power of Jesus, who not only comforts us in our grief but also has the authority to bring life from death. When faced with difficult circumstances, let us place our trust in the One who is the resurrection and the life.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the resurrection and the life. In our moments of grief, fear, and uncertainty, remind us of Your power over death and the hope we have in You. Help us to trust in Your timing and Your ability to work in impossible circumstances. Thank You for the comfort that You walk with us in our pain and for the promise of eternal life. May we live each day with faith in the One who conquered death. In Jesus’ name, Amen.