“I AM the Resurrection and the Life.  He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and he who lives and believes in Me will never die.”  John 11:25

SETTING

Who was there?

Participants:

Jesus and Martha (sister of Mary and Lazarus

Observers:                 

The Twelve and some Jewish mourners

Where did the events take place?

In Bethany, 2 miles east of Jerusalem just beyond the Mount of Olives

When did they take place?

Just after the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) that occurs in the winter

Just before Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem

What took place?

Jesus learned that a man named Lazarus, from a family He loved, was very sick.  He arrived in Bethany 4 days later to learn that Lazarus was dead.  Martha believed that if Jesus had been there, Lazarus wouldn’t have died.  Jesus replied, “Your brother will rise again” (John 11:23).  Martha agreed that her brother would be resurrected at the last day; and she also acknowledged that Jesus is the Messiah.  The Lord raised Lazarus from the dead.  The Pharisees now were determined to kill Jesus.

SUBJECT

I sometimes think that Jesus transposed His words in this verse.  Shouldn’t life come before resurrection?  Of course, Jesus said it exactly the way He meant it.

WE	THEN WE	BY
Die to self	Are resurrected spiritually on earth	Believing in Jesus
Live spiritually	Will be resurrected eternally in heaven	Believing in Jesus

SUMMARY

Jesus asked Martha a very important question: “Do you believe this?” John 11:26b).  Martha replied, “Yes, Lord, … I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, Who has come into the world” (John 11:27).  Do you believe this?  I mean: do you really believe this with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?

PRAYER

Lord, I do believe with all that I am that You are the Son of God.  Thank You for allowing me to be Your child.  Thank you that resurrection comes before life, and that after life there will be the resurrection.  Amen

© 2014 Steven A. Lake