“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” -John 11:25-26
Our hope as a people of faith is clearly anchored in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is the good news (gospel) that Jesus himself taught and demonstrated. Not even death can separate us from the loving presence of God. (Romans 8:37-39) The life of Jesus was a testimony of God’s love and grace for His creation. His death was a tragic rejection of the One who came to show us how to love. The resurrection of Jesus is our reminder that God is love and will act in love, despite the troubling circumstances of this world, even death.
In the Gospel of John, we encounter Mary and Martha at the death of their brother Lazarus. Jesus and the disciples receive word of Lazarus’ illness and eventual death while they are in another community. Mary and Martha were in Bethany, not far from Jerusalem. Jesus was in the wilderness, a few days away. When Jesus received the news of Lazarus, He said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” (John 11:11) The disciples did not want to go. Just a few days before this, there had been an attempt on Jesus’ life. This did not deter Jesus. He was willing to risk death.
When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Martha says, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21) In this moment, Jesus begins to teach and stretch the faith of the disciples, Martha, Mary, and all who hear this powerful story. Jesus would teach that the hope of resurrection is real. He would travel to the tomb where Lazarus had been placed. Jesus spoke, saying, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:44). Lazarus would walk out of the grave. Life had been returned to him, and those who were mourning would find hope and joy.
In this powerful moment, Jesus would share another of the “I Am” statements found in the Gospel of John. He would teach, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Our hope is not in a distant day or event to come. Our hope is present in Jesus.
There are so many things that rob us of our joy and peace. Worry, doubt, and fear about a future we cannot control weigh us down with despair. The pain of loss is often more than we can handle. Jesus asks us to look to him in faith. We are invited to trust God with our burdens and know that in connection with Him, we find life. God’s desire for His children is a life full of joy and peace. Today, let us spend time with Jesus. Share honestly the things that concern you, and remember that God cares. There is nothing, not even death, that will separate us from the very present hope of Christ Jesus, our Lord.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
