January 5
The Resurrection and the Life
“I am the resurrection, and the life.” —John 11:25
Read John 11:11-28
The Lord Jesus spoke these words to Martha, the sister of Mary, shortly after their brother Lazarus had died. They had informed the Lord a few days earlier that their brother was seriously ill. However, the Saviour did not go immediately to their home to heal His friend even though He dearly loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. A few days after having received the message, the Lord finally made His way towards Bethany with His disciples. On the way there, He said to His followers: “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep” (v. 11).
When they arrived in Bethany, Martha said, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (v. 21). But then she also confessed, “But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee” (v. 22). And then the Lord Jesus replies with the following words: “Thy brother shall rise again” (v. 23).
Following this exchange, we have the actual words of our text: “I am the resurrection, and the life.” By these words, the Lord Jesus makes known that He is the fountain of life, but also has power over it. He is even able to resurrect life. What an indescribable comfort this is for those who know the Lord. They that truly love Him have hope of being raised from the dead to be given eternal life!
Why did the Lord Jesus remain away so long?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.