I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 11:25

Jesus spoke this powerful, “I AM” declaration to Martha. Not one of His disciples, or a Jewish leader and not even to Mary, the woman who sat at His feet, but to Martha! I love that, because Jesus was intentional.

I’m sure you’re familiar with this event in John 11. Lazarus becomes ill. His sisters Mary and Martha send Jesus a message. Jesus waits 2 days where He was then heads to Bethany where Lazarus is. Lazarus dies and Jesus shows up 4 days after he’s passed.

That’s significant because in those days, tradition said that the spirit of a person hovered over the body for 3 days and then departed. So after the 4th day, all hope was lost! But Jesus had a purpose.

Have you been there? The situation looks hopeless? It’s hard. It’s not fair! It seems like Jesus is doing nothing? I have!

When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Martha runs to meet Him and they have a faith filled conversations. Remember, Jesus waited 2 days before coming.

Martha says in vs. 21, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” Martha knew Jesus could work miracles but the situation was hopeless right? Her brother was dead. In the midst of her reality, she still speaks out the might of Jesus, acknowledging that He can ask anything of His Father and it would happen (vs. 22). But she’s missing the actual point. She is looking forward to a future resurrection when Jesus wanted her to focus on what He was doing right then!

Jesus goes on to raise Lazarus from the dead! He raises him from the dead to accomplish His purpose; to honor God and promote His glory!

What seemingly hopeless situation are you facing? Have you given up seeing the answer?

Let me remind you: Rejection doesn’t have the final say. Disease doesn’t have the final say. Lack doesn’t have the final say. Broken relationships don’t have the final say. Doubt doesn’t have the final say. Infertility doesn’t have the final say. Wayward children don’t have the final say. Even Death doesn’t have the final say!

We don’t have to know all the details, all the whys and how, but we can trust Jesus will accomplish His purpose! Even if our circumstances aren’t good, His purpose is always good!

We might be facing delay, despair and devastation. But it’s not the final destination! Resurrection is on its way! For some it might happen miraculously like Lazarus. But for all of us who trust in Jesus as our Savior, whether our circumstances change or not, there is an eternal hope because of His resurrection power and that power has the final say!



Declaration to Life: Jesus is the resurrection and the life and His resurrection power has the final say!