Do You Believe?

 

The Resurrection of Lazarus – John 11:1–45

Dear Friends, this is one of the most powerful stories in all of Scripture. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. The sisters send word to Jesus: “Lord, he whom you love is ill” (v. 3). Jesus receives the message, but instead of rushing to Bethany, He waits two days. By the time He arrives, Lazarus has been dead four days.

Martha meets Jesus with raw honesty: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (v. 21).

Jesus replies, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha says, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day” (v. 24).

Then Jesus speaks words that change everything:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (vv. 25–26).

Martha affirms her faith: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world” (v. 27).

Mary comes next, falling at Jesus’ feet with the same grief: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Jesus is deeply moved. He weeps (v. 35). The shortest verse in the Bible—“Jesus wept”—reveals a Saviour who feels our pain, who enters into our sorrow.

At the tomb, Jesus commands: “Take away the stone.”

Martha hesitates: “Lord, he has been dead four days; there will be an odour” (v. 39).

Jesus reminds her: “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (v. 40).

They roll away the stone. Jesus prays aloud: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me… so that they may believe that you sent me” (vv. 41–42).

Then He cries out with a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out!” (v. 43).

The dead man walks forth, bound in grave cloths. Jesus says, “Unbind him, and let him go” (v. 44).

Many who saw this believed in Jesus (v. 45). But others went to the Pharisees and reported what happened, setting in motion the plot to kill Him.

This story is not just about a miracle. It is about who Jesus is:

“I am the resurrection and the life.”

He doesn’t merely give resurrection—He is resurrection. He doesn’t merely offer life—He is life itself. Death has no ultimate power over Him or over those who belong to Him.

Jesus delayed His coming so the miracle would be undeniable. He wept so we know He shares our grief. He prayed aloud so we see His perfect unity with the Father. He called Lazarus by name so we know He calls each of us personally from death to life.

Today, pause in the quiet. Where do you feel the “death” of delay, disappointment, or despair? Jesus stands at your tomb and says, “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Do you believe this? Then even in your darkest place, life is coming. He is coming.

Point to Ponder: Jesus doesn’t always rush to fix our pain—sometimes He waits so we can see His glory more clearly. But He never leaves us in the grave.

Verse to Remember: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” (John 11:25 ESV)

Question to Consider: This week, think of one area where you feel “dead” or stuck—perhaps grief, a broken relationship, a long unanswered prayer. Speak Jesus’ words aloud: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Ask Him to bring life there. What small step of trust might you take today?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church