Day 45-Good Friday, March 29th
John 11:17-27
Resurrection Power

When word of Jesus’ pending arrival reached Bethany, Lazarus’ sister Martha went out on the road to meet Him outside of Bethany. Grief-stricken, Martha shares her heart with Jesus…
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give You whatever You ask.” John 11:21-22 NIV

When these sisters first send word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick, they believed that Jesus could heal him from his sickness. As Jesus approaches Bethany, Martha pursues Jesus with this hope still alive in her heart. The faith of Martha shines in her belief that, even now after the death of Lazarus, Jesus can still heal him in his death.

Jesus replies in kindness to Martha but Martha doesn’t have the ears to hear the profundity of what Jesus means.

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” John 11:23-24 NIV

Certain sects of Jews believed in a resurrection of the dead at the end days. Martha mistakenly thinks that Jesus is speaking of this resurrection.

Jesus clarifies His intention with one of His most essential statements in which we find the true heart of the gospel.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 NIV

In essence, Jesus is saying that when He is involved people and circumstances will come back to life. When hope is lost, resurrection is just around the corner.

It is vital that we don’t miss the qualification of this resurrection: believing in Jesus. The one who believes in Jesus will experience life and resurrection in this life and in the life to come in eternity. Jesus asks Martha a very simple question: “do you believe this?”

Today on Good Friday, the full weight of the sacrifice of Jesus is on display on the cross. This was no empty sacrifice as the blood of Jesus covers our sins, and His death, burial and resurrection raise us to life.

Our answer to this same question is vitally important in light of the cross. The death of Jesus is sufficient to save all people, but only efficient in the life of the one who believes in Jesus. For those who refuse to believe, who reject the offer of the free gift of salvation, no resurrection is possible. Faith and belief are the key ingredients of resurrection. For us to experience the full power of resurrection in our lives, we must exclaim with Martha…

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:27 NIVV

Questions to consider:
What circumstance in your life seems like a lost cause that is beyond all hope?
Do you believe that Jesus can resurrect this circumstance? Like Martha, cry out to Jesus today asking for His power to work in need.

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