The Gospel of John: John 11.17-37

Read and meditate on John 11.23-27.
Jesus assures Martha that her brother will rise to life again. Martha confirms her faith in the general resurrection, but Jesus prepares her for the altogether unexpected by explaining more fully Who He is.

                                     ²³Then Jesus said
to her, “Your brother, Lazarus, who is dead,
will rise again.” ²⁴She said to Him, “I know
that at the resurrection it is so
that he will rise again.” ²⁵And He replied,
“I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in Me shall live, though he
may die. ²⁶Whoever lives and trusts in Me
shall never die. Do you believe Me?” ²⁷She
replied, “Yes Lord, I know that You are He,
You are the Christ, the Son of God, He Who
is come into the world.”

- John 11.23-27

Reflect
1.  Jesus’ approach to comforting Martha was to tell her that death is not the end of the story. Such comfort is real, but when we comfort someone this way, should we expect it immediately to allay all grief? Explain. Complete this prayer: We rejoice in the hope of eternal life, Lord, but we grieve for the loss of loved ones because…

2.  In verse 24, Martha revealed her faith in the general resurrection, which she said will occur “at the last day.” What was she thinking about? Can you think of any Old Testament texts that point to this idea? Lord, I’m grateful that a day of resurrection is coming. Help me to prepare for it more fully by…

3.  In what sense is Jesus “the resurrection”? In what sense is He “the life”? Who may participate in this, and what does that mean? Thank You, Lord, that…

4.  Jesus made Himself the focal point of resurrection and life, insisting that all who believe in Him will live and never die. Why is this so? Why does believing in Jesus Christ bring us to resurrection and life? How should this factor into your witness for Christ? This is our witness to the world, Lord, so today…

5.  Again, we see the depth of Martha’s faith. It would not have been possible for her to understand all the subtleties or details of “resurrection” or “life” (who can?), but she believed nonetheless. Is it necessary for us fully to understand, or to make complete sense of everything pertaining to the life of faith, before we believe in the Word of Jesus? How do faith and understanding relate in the life of a believer? Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote from questions 1-4.

Summary
“The Savior does not inquire ‘Do you believe this?’ in ignorance as to whether Martha did or did not believe what was said. Rather, he did so in order that we, or indeed those who were then present, might learn from her answer what her disposition was. But another will say that it is not a question but a statement: ‘You believe this.’ In this case, Martha then completes the Savior’s statement saying, Yes, Lord, and not only do I believe what you now say, but I believe now that you are the Christ, something I also believed before. And I believe that you are the Son of God who comes into the world and lives with all who believe in you.” Origen (185-254 AD)

Faith issues in life as we believe what the Word of God tells us. We may not understand all the details, but if we know Him Who speaks to us, we can rest in Him and His Word. How does Martha’s faith encourage you in yours?

Closing Prayer
I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40.1-3

Psalm 40.1-5 (Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
I waited patiently for God; He inclined and heard my cry,
Lifted me up above the sod, set me on a Rock on high!
New songs in my mouth He gave; may He through me many save!

Blessed are all who trust in You, turning both from lies and pride.
Countless wonders, Lord, You do, and Your thoughts with us abide.
Lord, Your worth who can declare? None with You can e’er compare.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.