John 11:17-27 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus
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[a] 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.”
Wednesday - April 1 - Read John 11:17-27
Martha is an incredible example of faith in what is not seen. When Jesus
arrives she confronts him. She has been around Jesus long enough to know
what he is capable of doing, but he is too late. Her brother is dead. But she
still believes in the resurrection of the dead, eventually. She believes that
Jesus is the Messiah sent by God to bring salvation. But she does not have
the full picture yet because Jesus has not died and rose again. She does not
realize that the resurrection IS Jesus. She cannot fully see that Jesus IS the
giver of life. He always has been from the beginning of time. Death will be
“swallowed up” by HIM (Is. 25:8; 1 Cor. 15:54). This is not mere sentiment
as if “life will go on.” This is a promise that death will be defeated and the
conqueror is Jesus! He is going to do it. He is the life and the resurrection.
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