Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 WEB
After Lazarus died, Jesus came to Bethany to demonstrate the resurrection power of God. As Christ said of Lazarus’ illness in John 11:4, “This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that God’s Son may be glorified by it. WEB” Although Lazarus died after this statement, Jesus knew that he would not stay dead. God’s plan for this event was to demonstrate the power of faith in Christ in bringing the believer everlasting life.
And so, Jesus does not immediately rush to Lazarus when receiving the news that he is sick. Instead he waits to go to Bethany until after his death and burial. In this way, the Lord taught the resurrection in a powerful example that believers remember and share to this day. As Christ said to his disciples in John 11:14-5, “Lazarus is dead. I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let’s go to him. WEB”
Jesus Is the Resurrection
Upon approaching the village of Bethany, Martha came to Jesus, showing her disappointment that he came after Lazarus’ death. Her words represent a thinly disguised effort to encourage the Lord to perform a miracle and restore her brother to life. Martha said in John 11:21-22, “Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you. WEB”
Jesus responded to Martha that her brother would rise again. Misunderstanding this, Martha thinks the Lord means the resurrection that takes place at the end of time. When Jesus tells her, “I am the resurrection,” teaching that those who believe in him receive eternal life, he adds a question to his statement saying, “Do you believe this?”
Jesus Is the Christ
Martha responds to Jesus’ question in Matthew 11:27, ‘Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, he who comes into the world. WEB” This series of events preceded Christ demonstrating the resurrection power of God associated with faith in Christ. Subsequently, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus’ death and restoration to life foreshadows the death and the resurrection of Jesus himself.
The Lord teaches in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. WEB” In the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus prepares his followers to understand the meaning of his own death and resurrection. The resurrection of Christ demonstrates victory over sin and death for all who repent from sin and believe in him.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the lessons Jesus taught in your holy word. Thank you for the promise of eternal life and a better life to come. Guide my steps with your word and wisdom. Lead me as I serve you all the days of my life. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Lying in a Manger
