I AM: Resurrection & Life

In the depths of human experience, we often encounter moments that challenge our faith, shake our foundations, and leave us questioning the very nature of life and death. It's in these moments that we find ourselves face to face with the profound declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life."

This powerful statement, uttered by Jesus in the Gospel of John, stands as a beacon of hope amidst the storms of doubt, disappointment, and discouragement that we all face. But what does it truly mean for us today?

The story of Lazarus provides a compelling backdrop for understanding the depth of this declaration. In Bethany, just outside Jerusalem, lived two sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus. They were dear friends of Jesus, their home a place of retreat and fellowship. When Lazarus fell gravely ill, the sisters sent word to Jesus, expecting him to come immediately and heal their brother.

But Jesus, in his divine wisdom, chose to wait. For two days, he remained where he was, allowing Lazarus to succumb to his illness and be laid in the tomb. This delay, seemingly cruel, was actually part of a greater plan – one that would reveal the glory of God and strengthen the faith of all who witnessed it.

As Jesus finally approached Bethany, he was met by Martha, who expressed her disappointment and grief: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Her words echo the sentiments we often feel in our own moments of loss and pain. Why didn't God show up when we needed Him most? Where was He when everything fell apart?

Yet even in her grief, Martha clung to a glimmer of hope: "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." It's in this tension – between disappointment and faith – that Jesus makes his remarkable declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."

This statement is not just about the physical resurrection of Lazarus, which was soon to follow. It's a profound truth that speaks to the very core of our existence and our relationship with God. Jesus is claiming to be the source of life itself – not just physical life, but eternal, abundant life that transcends death.

As we reflect on this, we're confronted with our own doubts, like Thomas, who famously struggled to believe without seeing. Yet Jesus doesn't reject those who doubt. Instead, he draws near, inviting us to "come and see" for ourselves. Our doubts don't drive Him away; they actually draw Him closer.

Then there's Mary, overcome with grief, who falls at Jesus' feet weeping. In one of the most poignant moments in Scripture, we're told simply that "Jesus wept." The Creator of the universe, knowing full well that He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, still took time to enter into Mary's grief. This reminds us that our God is not distant or unfeeling, but One who is intimately acquainted with our sorrows and pains.

The story culminates in the miraculous raising of Lazarus, as Jesus calls him forth from the tomb. Death, that great enemy of humanity, is forced to release its grip at the command of the One who is Life itself. This foreshadows Jesus' own resurrection, where death would be defeated once and for all.

But the power of this story isn't just in the miracle itself. It's in the invitation Jesus extends to each of us: "Do you believe this?" This question cuts to the heart of our faith journey. It's not about having everything figured out or feeling perfectly confident. It's about making a choice to trust, even when we don't fully understand.

Faith, as Martha demonstrates, is not primarily a feeling – it's a choice. Even when we don't feel like it, even when circumstances seem to contradict it, we can choose to believe and trust in the One who is the resurrection and the life.

This story also reminds us that God's delays are not necessarily denials. Sometimes, what appears to be divine inaction is actually God working in ways we cannot see or comprehend. Our limited perspective often prevents us from seeing the bigger picture of what God is doing in and through our circumstances.

Moreover, the raising of Lazarus points us to an even greater truth – that Jesus himself would soon face death, not just to interrupt one funeral, but to overcome death itself for all of humanity. By going into the grave himself, Jesus made it possible for us to come out of our own spiritual tombs.

The good news of the gospel is that no amount of personal failure, doubt, or disappointment can drive Jesus away from us. Like He did with Lazarus, He calls to each of us, inviting us out of our darkness and into His marvelous light.

As we contemplate this powerful story, we're left with a choice. Will we, like Martha, choose to believe even when we don't fully understand? Will we, like Thomas, allow our doubts to lead us closer to Jesus rather than further away? Will we, like Mary, bring our grief and pain to the feet of the One who weeps with us?

The invitation stands: "I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?" It's an invitation to find hope in the face of death, purpose in the midst of pain, and life in the shadow of the tomb. It's an invitation to experience the power of resurrection – not just as a future promise, but as a present reality that can transform every aspect of our lives.

May we have the courage to respond in faith, to step out of our tombs, and to embrace the life that Jesus offers – a life that begins now and extends into eternity.