The Resurrection and the Life

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Scripture: John 11:25-27 (ESV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Devotion:

These verses from the Gospel of John capture a profound conversation between Jesus and Martha, Lazarus's sister. In the face of death and despair, Jesus reveals Himself as the resurrection and the life.

"I am the resurrection and the life." With these transformative words, Jesus declares His power over death. He is not just a healer or a teacher, but the very source of life itself. He promises that those who believe in Him will live, even though they die. This is a promise of eternal life, a life that transcends physical death.

But Jesus doesn't stop there. He also promises that "whoever lives by believing in me will never die." This is a promise of spiritual life, a life of peace, joy, and fulfillment that begins here and now, when we put our faith in Jesus. This promise is a source of reassurance and comfort in our daily lives.

Then Jesus asks Martha a crucial question: "Do you believe this?" This question goes beyond intellectual agreement. It's a question of trust, faith, and surrender. Martha's response is a powerful affirmation of faith, reminding us of the significance of our own belief: "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."

So today, let's reflect on Jesus's powerful words. Let's rejoice in His promise of eternal life and spiritual life. And let's respond with faith, like Martha, declaring our belief in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God.

Remember, no matter what you're going through, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He offers life in the face of death and hope in the face of despair. So, believe in Him, live by faith in Him, and experience the abundant life He promises.

Prayer:

            Dear Jesus, thank you for the assurance you give us in these verses. Please help us to respond with faith in you as Martha did in today’s scripture. May we always be ready to declare to anyone who asks that eternal life can be found only in you. Let our words and actions always testify to the eternal life we have found in you. Amen.

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