Why Not Now: Repairing My Relationship with Family - Friday
John 11:25
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (NLT)
As the stone is rolled away but before Lazarus comes bee-bopping out, John includes an odd detail of Jesus’ prayer. Jesus says out loud what he’s already prayed to the Father. So why did Jesus do that? He tells us: For the benefit of those listening. This miracle is for the benefit of the crowd, not for Lazarus for he is going to die again. (It makes you wonder, who was more surprised at this moment, Lazarus or the crowds?) Then Jesus tells him to come out of the grave and he does.
Then the story ends. Abruptly. John shows no interest in the aftermath of the scene. This mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, did-you-just-see-that! scene. We hear of a few people believing in Jesus and some going to tattle-tale to the Pharisees, but that’s it. There’s no primetime exclusive interview with Lazarus on all the major networks. He doesn’t write a best-selling book about his experience while dead. Lazarus doesn’t even speak.
So what is John interested in his readers knowing? One thing: the fact that Jesus has power over death!
Death, the deepest, darkest curse we know. Death, our most feared enemy. Yeah, that thing…this Jesus guy has defeated it.
“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” It’s one thing to say that, but now he just proved it. Jesus has life in himself and he himself is the resurrection. In other words, to believe in Jesus is to be plugged into the life that guarantees resurrection.
This is the last miracle recorded in John before Jesus’ own death and resurrection (which was just two months away). At this “halfway point” in the gospel of John, we have been presented with a man who makes the blind see, heals the lame, multiplies food, and walks on water. Now add to that, he can raise people from the dead!
So here’s today’s encouragement: As followers of the guy who did all that, when your life is looking tough or you’re at your all-time low…don’t forget the power that he’s already shown.
Friday’s Reflection
Jesus boldly challenged Martha to trust that He was the source of eternal life. So now his question turns to us: Do you believe this? That He is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do.
