LIFE
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
John 11:21-27
The raising of Lazarus is a story that is unique to the gospel according to John. Both Martha and Mary express their grief to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (11:21, 32) The pain of loss is real, as both women cry out to Jesus. Martha acknowledges that she believes in a future resurrection but doesn’t fully understand that the power of resurrection is standing right in front of her. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” (Yes, this is another “I AM” statement.) Jesus is the source of resurrection and life. Those who believe in Jesus have a relationship with God that never ends, not even in death. The life that Jesus offers is not constrained by physical death. Jesus’ words to Martha give comfort and they give eternal hope.
Eternal life is the promise we receive from Jesus. It is our relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son that goes beyond this physical life on earth. Because of this assurance, we are free to love and serve our neighbors now. Jesus calls us now to work with him to share this message. We invite others into a relationship with him; we care for those in need; we share what we have; we walk alongside the lowly; we love by serving. The promise of eternal life frees us from the fear that would hold us back.
There was a time (6 months ago?) that we could invite people to our church that might serve as a first step in this journey. We depended on the worship experience and the church community to help nurture and teach the faith. That’s not as easy to do as it used to be. Now it seems more important than ever to live this love and live this relationship in our daily lives as we encounter people wherever we happen to be. Let the presence of Christ within you guide your ways, your words and your actions. Be a witness wherever you are. Be a witness to whoever is watching you. As you go your way, know that Christ is with you.
Let us pray: O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we know there are times when the pain of loss and death is real. Comfort those who mourn, and give us strength to continue our faith journey trusting in your promises. Assure us of your presence as we continue to love and serve you by serving others in this life, and at the last, bring us into your full presence in the resurrection. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.