Meditation
I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
Text: John 11
6 April 2014
THE GRIM REALITY OF DEATH
The Lord God sent Jesus to minister on earth for many reasons. Three things may be highlighted:-
1. To redeem mankind
2. To teach believers how to live significantly
3. To help people overcome their morbid fear of death
WHEN DEATH STRIKES THOSE WE LOVE
Sometimes “death” is just another word we have in our vocabulary. At other times, this word becomes very much more real and relevant, because it strikes at a loved one.
Jesus was particularly close to the family of Lazarus. His sisters, Mary and Martha had sent an urgent message to the Lord because their brother was at death’s door.
Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying,
“Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” John 11:3
1. The sisters were deeply concerned about the well-being of their brother, Lazarus
This is natural and heart-warming.
2. Jesus loved Lazarus
Mary and Martha had counted on this truth. Jesus loved their brother Lazarus. Surely He would drop everything and come and lay His hands on their brother and make him well!
JESUS STAYED AWAY
Mary and Martha did not understand why Jesus had not responded to their urgent call for help. Jesus stayed away on purpose. He knew that Lazarus would die!
1. Jesus could have prevented death by healing Lazarus
2. In this instance He allowed death to come to Lazarus
AN IMPORTANT REASON
Mary and Martha could not comprehend why Jesus stayed away. To them it meant that Jesus had come too late! Life was over. Life was no more for their beloved brother! How could Jesus have stayed away? They expressed deep grief with these words.
Now Martha said to Jesus,
“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:21
I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
This occasion gave Jesus the opportunity to teach an important eternal truth.
I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in Me , though he may die, he shall live.
John 11:25
1. This mortal life must not be our only focus
2. Resurrection represents the reality of eternal life
a) Life does not end with death
b) It takes faith to see beyond this mortal life
Let us seek to renew our understanding of the doctrine of the Resurrection this Easter. This belief in the Resurrection can empower us to live most significantly!