John 10:31-42
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. – John 10:33
Dear brothers and sisters, each time we face the loss of a loved one, we grieve and weep, yet we do not despair. Our hope is anchored in Jesus’ powerful declaration: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25). This promise has brought comfort and strength to countless believers throughout generations.
Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were deeply loved by Jesus. Yet when news of Lazarus’ illness reached Him, Jesus did not rush to his side. Instead, He remained where He was for two more days, knowing that “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.” (John 11:4)
At first glance, this seems perplexing—after all, Lazarus died and was buried. By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Jesus, fully aware of his death, told His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” (John 11:11) When they did not understand, He plainly said, “Lazarus has died.”
Upon seeing Mary and Martha’s sorrow, Jesus wept with them. Then, in one of the most astonishing miracles recorded in Scripture, He called out to the dead man, and Lazarus emerged from the tomb—alive and well. This miracle was not just an act of compassion but a demonstration of Jesus’ authority over death itself. It confirmed the truth of His words to Martha: He is the resurrection and the life.
For those who believe in Jesus, death has no dominion over them. Though our physical bodies may perish, we will live eternally with Him. Our souls will never die. Yet, despite knowing that death is inevitable, many live in fear of it. To the world, death seems like an irreversible end, a topic too unsettling to discuss.
But for those who belong to Christ, there is a greater reality: Jesus has conquered death. Through His own death, burial, and resurrection, He broke its curse. The grave could not hold Him, just as it could not hold Lazarus, as we have seen in Jesus’s demonstration of his power when he resurrected Lazarus.
This is our blessed assurance: when we place our faith in Jesus, we are promised resurrection and eternal life with Him. Death is not the end—it is the doorway to an everlasting life in His presence. May this truth bring peace to those still mourning and courage to those who fear.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In our moments of grief and uncertainty, remind us that You are the resurrection and the life and that in You, death has no victory. Fill our hearts with faith, hope, and peace, knowing that our future is secure in Your hands. Comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who fear, and draw us closer to You today. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
Dear brothers and sisters, each time we face the loss of a loved one, we grieve and weep, yet we do not despair. Our hope is anchored in Jesus’ powerful declaration: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25). This promise has brought comfort and strength to countless believers throughout generations.
Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were deeply loved by Jesus. Yet when news of Lazarus’ illness reached Him, Jesus did not rush to his side. Instead, He remained where He was for two more days, knowing that “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.” (John 11:4)
At first glance, this seems perplexing—after all, Lazarus died and was buried. By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Jesus, fully aware of his death, told His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” (John 11:11) When they did not understand, He plainly said, “Lazarus has died.”
Upon seeing Mary and Martha’s sorrow, Jesus wept with them. Then, in one of the most astonishing miracles recorded in Scripture, He called out to the dead man, and Lazarus emerged from the tomb—alive and well. This miracle was not just an act of compassion but a demonstration of Jesus’ authority over death itself. It confirmed the truth of His words to Martha: He is the resurrection and the life.
For those who believe in Jesus, death has no dominion over them. Though our physical bodies may perish, we will live eternally with Him. Our souls will never die. Yet, despite knowing that death is inevitable, many live in fear of it. To the world, death seems like an irreversible end, a topic too unsettling to discuss.
But for those who belong to Christ, there is a greater reality: Jesus has conquered death. Through His own death, burial, and resurrection, He broke its curse. The grave could not hold Him, just as it could not hold Lazarus, as we have seen in Jesus’s demonstration of his power when he resurrected Lazarus.
This is our blessed assurance: when we place our faith in Jesus, we are promised resurrection and eternal life with Him. Death is not the end—it is the doorway to an everlasting life in His presence. May this truth bring peace to those still mourning and courage to those who fear.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In our moments of grief and uncertainty, remind us that You are the resurrection and the life and that in You, death has no victory. Fill our hearts with faith, hope, and peace, knowing that our future is secure in Your hands. Comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who fear, and draw us closer to You today. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
