Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. John 14:19 WEB

In this verse, Jesus refers to his eventual death and resurrection. When speaking about the world, he means the fallen world of unbelievers. At the time, Christ was present in the world and anyone, whether they believed or not, saw him and experienced his miracles and ministry. As those days drew to a close, Christ reassured his followers. He let them know that they would see him again. Jesus encouraged them with these words, “Because I live, you will live also.”

After his death on the cross, Christ returned. We read about this in each of the gospel accounts. In the gospel of John, he appears to Mary Magdalene and speaks with her, telling her to go and inform his brothers of his resurrection.

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus meets with the eleven remaining disciples and says, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. WEB”

From Death to Life

Death came from the sin of Adam. Similarly, life comes from believing in the resurrected Christ. As 1 Corinthians 15:21 tells us, “For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. WEB” Christ informs his disciples of this in John 5:24 saying, “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. WEB”

The world does not see or know Christ. But the faithful do. As Jesus said, “Because I live, you will live also.” Those who have faith have passed from death to life. At the end of our earthly existence, Christ promises to restore us to life in eternity with him.

Yesterday’s Devotional: A Sacrifice of Praise