The Resurrection and the Life

I guess all of us have experienced the grief and pain of losing our loved ones. We miss our loved ones when they die. We long to talk to them and spend time with them. No human can fully comfort us during such times of grief. But in John 11:25, Jesus gives us a glorious promise which gives us tremendous comfort and strength even in the face of death.

Jesus declares that he is the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). We can learn two truths from this fifth ‘I AM’ saying of Christ. The first truth is: Death is a devastating problem (John 11:17-22). Verse 17 says “Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.” Because of the hot climate in Israel, the dead were immediately buried. Now it was four days since Lazarus was buried and all hope was buried as well. Once a person dies, his cells begin to die. Blood starts draining from the body. Also, the dead body starts stinking. That was the condition of Lazarus’ body.

All of us will go through trials and difficulties. But even in the midst of great suffering, we must have strong faith in the Lord. We must trust God because of his character. He is trustworthy. Church, all of us face several problems and difficulties in life. Of all the problems, death is the biggest problem we face. Death snatches our loved ones from us. Death brings disillusionment and grief. Death turns our lives upside down.

Let’s see what is God’s solution to this devastating problem.

The second truth one can learn from the fifth ‘I AM’ saying is: Jesus gives us the promise of resurrection (John 11:23-27). Jesus doesn’t merely resurrect people from the dead. He himself is the resurrection. Jesus doesn’t merely give life, he himself is the life! Since Jesus defeated death, he gives eternal life to all those who believe in him.

Jesus is the solution to not just death, but to every problem that we face. Since he is God and since he has unlimited power, all things are possible with him. What problem are you facing today? Are you struggling with your finances? Are you facing a terrible sickness? Are you suffering from coronavirus? Is your marriage falling apart? Does your problem seem too big? The One who is the resurrection and the life can deal with your problem. Because Jesus lives, we will also live forever. Hallelujah! Jesus gives the promise of resurrection to all those who believe in him.

Praise God for the hope you have in Christ and share this hope with the lost.