Resurrection Life: John 11:1-43
Sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus lived in a town called Bethany and were very close friends to Jesus. While Jesus was away from their town, Lazarus became sick. His sisters sent word to Jesus expecting Him to come immediately and heal their brother.
When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He stated to His disciples that the sickness was not unto death and it would be for the glory of God. Instead of leaving immediately, Jesus stayed two more days before heading to the town of Bethany. As He was nearing the town, Martha met Him and said, “Lord if you had been here my brother would not have died.” Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus responded, “I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Martha said, “Yes, Lord, I believe…” Martha went to her house and told Mary to go see Jesus. Mary goes to meet him and says the same thing that Martha had said. By this time there were quite a few people that had followed Mary and they were all weeping and grieving with Mary. Jesus asked Mary where the body was. She took Him to the cave where he was buried with a stone over the tomb. Jesus told the people to remove the stone. Martha says it’s been 4 days and by now he stinks. Jesus replies, “Didn’t I say if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”
They took away the stone and Jesus thanked God the Father, stating that He always hears Him and said He would do this so those around would believe that He had sent Him. With a loud voice, Jesus shouts, “Lazarus come forth!” Immediately, Lazarus comes out of the tomb with his grave clothes. Jesus tells them, “Loose him, and let him go.”
There are three accounts in the Bible of Jesus raising someone from the dead including Lazarus. In this story, the scriptures reveal that Jesus groaned in His spirit, was troubled, and even wept before He called out to Lazarus. Was Jesus emotional because his friends, whom He loved, we’re grieving and sad, or was He disappointed that they didn’t have enough faith in Him that He could raise up Lazarus from the dead, or did He hate the fact that death was an enemy caused by Satan? Maybe Jesus was groaning because Lazarus was in a better place and now He had to bring him back. The Bible does not elaborate.
The point is, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. When we believe in Him, and have received Him as our Lord and Savior, physical death is not the end. Although our bodies will die one day, we, our spirit and soul, will live forever with Him. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. Not only that, He planned for your birth and loves you so much. He has a great plan for you so that your life will be a testimony of His goodness and will give glory to God. (John 3:16; Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Personal Development Tip of the week:
There are exactly 130 days left in 2021. It might sound like a lot but it is going to go faster than you think.
I challenge you today to take some time today to review the year you have had so far. I would write down things that you accomplished that you are proud of and areas you would like to improve before the end of the year.
Also, set one end-of-the-year goal that if accomplished you could say this was a great year. See the example below.
What have I accomplished this year that I am proud of?
What is an area of my life I would like to improve?
What is one thing I could accomplish by the end of the year that when looking back if accomplished I could say this has been a great year?
Remember, the quality of your life is determined by the quality of the question you ask yourself.
Let's finish this year strong!
Prayer for the week:
Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. Thank God it’s Monday lord and I’m praying for a week of prosperity, success, glory, and wisdom. I’m praying for strength when things don’t go the way they should and for this individual to have unwavering faith in all things they put their hands to in Jesus name amen!
-Dayne
PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.
Resurrection Life