John 11

I was reading this morning in John 11, the story of Lazarus. This is one of the most unique and insightful stories into the heart of Christ. We know that Jesus was a friend of Lazarus as well as Mary and Martha. There are a few parts of this story, that if read over quickly, can often go missed.

Jesus hears of Lazarus' sickness, and instead of making a journey to Bethany to heal him, Jesus lets the sickness take Lazarus. Jesus actually spends two days going the opposite direction of Bethany, back to to Judea where the Jews were planning to stone him. Jesus then says in verse 15

"and for your sake, I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe."

What! How can this be? How can Jesus choose not to heal someone when they are dying? Isn't Jesus supposed to love people? How can He be glad that He was not there to heal Lazarus? In verse 4, Jesus answers these questions.

"This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

This story amazes me because Jesus knew Lazarus was going to die. Yet Christ's goal was not about making people happy. It was about the glory of God. By waiting until Lazarus had died, and then raising him, Jesus knew many would believe in Him, and that God would receive much glory.
Jesus makes one more statement in this text that is absolutely remarkable, and demands a response. After speaking with Martha about when Lazarus will rise again, Jesus says

I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet he shall live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?

This is the question we must all answer. Do we believe this about Jesus? That He is who He says He is?

What an incredible statement. "I am the Resurrection and the life." Is there anyone other than God that can say that? If this is true, then we humans have nothing to fear in this life. We know and believe in the one that has conquered death. He has promised us eternal life if all we do is believe in Him. But do we believe this?

Application: If you are a follower of Christ, remember those words. Remember that the one who holds the keys to death lives within you and has promised you everlasting life. It will change you how live and view each day. If you know Christ, you are going to live forever. You will never not exist. This life is but a vapor compared to eternity. So live in the light of eternity today. Because you believe that Christ is the Resurrection and the life.