I Am the Resurrection and the Life

Summary

• Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, fell ill and his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus for help.
• When Jesus received their message, He intentionally delayed coming to the sisters’ aid for two extra days, expressing to His disciples that Lazarus’ sickness would lead to His glorification.
• By the time Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days.
• Despite her disappointment that Jesus did not come earlier to heal her brother, Martha expressed faith that God would still answer Jesus’ prayer.
• Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life." He boldly challenged Martha to trust Him as the source of eternal life and the champion over death. Martha readily proclaimed Him as the Christ, the Son of God.
• Jesus also met Mary who brought Him to Lazarus’ tomb. When Jesus saw all the weeping around Him, He was deeply moved and wept along with the community.
• Then Jesus commanded in a loud voice for Lazarus to come out from the tomb. Lazarus obeyed and rose from the dead, demonstrating Jesus’ power over death.
• According to the Gospel of John, this miracle was the seventh and last sign of Jesus, setting Him up to be the biggest threat to the Jewish religious establishment.

Reflect

1. How did Jesus’ delayed arrival conflict with the expectations of the two sisters? What were the ultimate blessings that came from Jesus’ “delayed” timing?

2. Are you presently disappointed with God for His delay in answering your pressing needs? How can you trust God to answer your prayer in His sovereign timing?

Watch

John 11 marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. For the first 10 chapters, Jesus fulfilled all the hopes and spiritual truths found in various Jewish religious rituals and festivals. By raising Lazarus, He now displayed His victory over man’s greatest enemy – death!

However, by publicly raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus was also risking His life for a friend. Jesus knew fully well that this miracle would harden the Jews’ resolve to kill Him and hasten His own death. But Jesus was willing to sacrifice Himself to love his friend, Lazarus, and to fulfil His Father’s will in dying for the sins of the whole world. This is the Messiah whom we worship!

Reflect

3. What does Jesus' willingness to risk His own life for Lazarus teach you about His commitment to those He loves? How will you respond to such faithfulness?

Closing Prayer

Ask God for faith to trust in His sovereign timing, even when you cannot understand the reason for the delay. Pray for a deeper understanding of Jesus as your resurrection and life. Thank Him for being so faithfully committed to you!