Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
John 11:25
Jesus is life. In the midst of sickness, death, fear, and sorrow, Jesus is indeed the only source of life, and the only answer to the uncertainties of a broken world. Through the story of Lazarus raised from the dead, this truth has been indelibly etched upon the reality of the human soul.
From within the narrative of this miracle, we encountered Jesus’ promise that even in the face sickness and death God’s purposes would be fulfilled and the glory of Jesus would be revealed (John 11:4). This teaches us that the promises of Jesus are never limited by our present circumstances (referenced in the devotion for April 6). We also encountered the four days of waiting, and the unexpected sequence of events (John 11:6-17) that led to Jesus’ summary of that very moment: “so that you may believe”. This has taught us to trust Jesus even when it doesn’t make sense (referenced in the devotion for April 7).
Today, within the narrative of John 11, we encounter a final teaching point which ties the entire event to the dynamic proclamation of our Lord, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus proclaimed this incredible “I AM” statement in the midst of intense sorrow. From this we learn of faith’s response to a culture of doubt and desperation.
When Jesus arrived, grief and helplessness had overtaken the entire setting (11:17-29). Martha said (11:20-21), “if you had been here my brother would not have died.” Doubt was driven by both the circumstance and the surrounding culture of mourners (as Jerusalem was less than two miles from Bethany and many came to mourn with Martha and Mary). Doubt is dangerously contagious and causes many good people of faith to assume upon themselves the helplessness of the world as a normal response. But the normal and expected response of someone who knows Jesus is not doubt, but rather bold trust even in the midst of unimaginable crises. So, dear child of God, check your walk to make certain that you are not taking upon yourself the emotional doubt of a broken world as something that is normal for you.
At this crucial moment of Martha’s doubt, there was a seed of faith as she confessed, “even now I know that whatever you ask of God He will give you.” But she wrestled between the finality of her crisis (the death of Lazarus) and trusting in the person and power of her Lord (11:22-24). At that very moment, Jesus spoke these crisis-altering words: I am the resurrection and the life (11:25-26). This self-revelation of our Lord imparted such power within the present moment that Martha’s doubt was transformed. She said, “Yes, Lord, I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God” (verse 27). She knew Jesus as close friend with all of Heaven’s power; but in that moment she recognized Him not only as personal friend and Master, but the Author of life itself. So, dear child of God, when in doubt, hold tight to your relationship with Jesus. Do not give up on Him. Trust Him. When doubt takes over, keep looking at Jesus. Allow the person and power of God’s Son to vanquish your doubt and strengthen your faith.
Martha’s renewed faith contrasted Mary, who approached Jesus and fell at His feet saying that which Martha had uttered earlier, “Jesus, had you been here my brother would not have died” (11:28-32). This proves that doubt had become very “systemic” and had created this culture of doubt and desperation. But Jesus responded to the brokenness even as He does now – with love and compassion. Mary was in deep sorrow, the crowd was wailing, and Jesus was moved like many had never seen before. He wept. (This term for “wept” expresses personal sorrow and is a different term from the words used earlier for wailing and mourning). Jesus truly felt the sorrow (11:33-35). Please remember that Jesus steps into the crisis with you compassionately. This is why you can trust Him. The one who has genuine compassion for you can always be trusted. Mary felt the weight of her present circumstance. She shouldered the urgencyon her own. That is, until Jesus stepped in. Her heart opened to her Lord and she received the greatest comfort anyone could ever receive. This teaches us not to shoulder the urgency on our own, but to receive by faith the truth that Jesus is with us in our crisis. And His comfort always leads to His miracle for you, whatever that miracle may look like.
With Martha and Mary comforted, Jesus walked to the entrance of the tomb, ordered the stone to be moved, prayed openly for the Father’s glory, and called Lazarus forth (11:38-44). The one who had been dead for four days walked out of the tomb. Jesus said, “loose Him (from his grave clothes) and let Him go.”
The miracle happened! And many that day placed their faith in Jesus. Mary and Martha were renewed in their faith, and Lazarus . . . well let’s just say that he indeed had a story to tell about the One who is the resurrection and the life.
How about you? What is your story? Your life’s narrative?
So today, remember these truths in the midst of a culture of doubt and desperation: (1) do not take upon yourself the emotional doubt of a broken world as something normal for you; (2) when in doubt, hold tight to your relationship with Jesus – do not take your eyes off of Him for one second; (3) remember that Jesus steps into the crisis with you compassionately – be comforted; and, (4) do not shoulder the urgency on your own, but receive by faith the truth that Jesus is with you. And one final note: wait for Jesus to change the circumstance. He will indeed do something miraculous in the way He desires. Trust Him.
Two humble servants of the Lord, Martha and Mary, saw first-hand the Resurrection and the Life. I wonder what you will see as you continue to trust Jesus with your crisis. It may look totally different than any other narrative, but you will indeed have a story to tell.
Blessings.
READ
Read John 12:1-8 to discover Mary’s example of personal worship before the One who is the Resurrection and the Life.
