John 11-12

November 10

John 11-12

"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”" (John 11:25-26, NIV)

 

In theory, these are great words. But Jesus was standing outside the tomb that was holding the rotting body of Martha’s brother when Jesus spoke these words to her. She believed He was the Son of God, but did she understand the power in His name. She believed that her brother would rise with all the dead on the last day, but did she realize Jesus could bring life where death had dwelt? Who had ever heard of a dead man coming to life?

 

Mary and Martha knew Jesus could have healed their brother if He had come sooner. But Jesus purposely waited before showing up. He had a plan. He was going to give a glimpse of the resurrection through His friend Lazarus. Mary and Martha both said;; “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” In effect they were asking Jesus why He waited so long.

 

Why does God wait so long to answer our prayers? Why do we have to wait to see God move in our lives? If Jesus had shown up in the sister’s timing, it would have been a miracle when Jesus healed Lazarus. But Jesus had bigger plans. Jesus not only healed Lazarus, He raised him from the dead. He proved that He had power even over death. Because of His promise and His power, we can be confident in knowing that all who believe in Him will live even though they die. Jesus is Lord even over death. Death has no hold on us as long as Jesus is with us. He showed His ultimate power when He rose from the dead on the third day and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.

 

There is life in Jesus.