From death to life

21 “Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I AM The Resurrection and The Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

Main Point: Real life and hope is seen only through belief in Christ

Have you ever experienced regret or been left questioning if things could be different? Multiple instances come to mind where I’m left ruminating on outcomes I’d love to go back and change. Particularly, I think back to things like high school sports and potential relationships. If only I was a little faster during that race in track and field, wasn’t scared to try out for that team again or actually asked that person out on a date. Would things have been very different?

In John Chapter 11, Martha and Mary seem to be left with similar yet deeper circumstances and emotions. Verse 21 asks a question that we all can relate to, God why didn’t you do something? Lazarus, Martha and Mary’s brother, has just died and left his sisters in a state of grief. We all face grief in many ways and may be confronted with it further during 2020. This could be the death of a loved one, like Mary and Martha in this chapter, or the death of a relationship, dream or goal we were striving for. However, Jesus provides a consistent answer of hope found in His response. Our ultimate hope is found in knowing eternal life beyond physical death is promised to the believer who has placed faith in Jesus. We are also promised hope for this current life through our faith in Jesus.

Jesus literally resurrects Lasurus from the grave for the purpose of displaying His glory (excellence/magnificence). This pushes us towards the same question posed in verse 40, what will God’s glory display to us today if we only believe. Jesus wants us to restore our confidence in His goodness and power, in spite of, how dead and impossible situations may seem. There’s no limit to what God can do, He just wants us to learn to trust in the midst of our “if only” moments.

Deeper Focus:

-What are some of your biggest regrets, questions or “if only” moments for God from 2019?(or in general)

-Has anything helped you with your faith or belief in God regarding these areas?

God doesn’t always resurrect or fix past situations like raising Lazarus, but does always desire to show us His glory.

-Take a few moments and think of areas you’re currently wrestling doubts. Let’s pray for God to show us His glory and help us see past areas of unbelief this year.