Scripture: John 11:17-21
17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (NIV)
Observation:
While Jesus was comforting Marha, he said to her that her brother would rise again, she replied, “‘I know he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.’” (John 11:24-27) Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Application:
Martha had come a long way from the time she demanded that Jesus ask her sister Mary to help her in the preparations for a meal. Notice now that it is Martha who is awaiting Jesus and meets him first as Jesus is coming to comfort both Martha and Mary. Out of Martha’s mouth comes the testimony that she believes that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into the world in human flesh to redeem and forgive us. You are the Resurrection and the Life in which our lives, move, and have our meaning. Help us to remain in You and in Your love as we live our daily lives. Amen