The Resurrection of Lazarus

Gospel

John 11:19-27

I am the resurrection and the life

Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to sympathise with them over their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus had come she went to meet him. Mary remained sitting in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘If you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that, even now, whatever you ask of God, he will grant you.’ ‘Your brother’ said Jesus to her ‘will rise again.’ Martha said, ‘I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said:

‘I am the resurrection and the life.

If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live,

and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?’

‘Yes, Lord,’ she said ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.’

Reflection on John 11:19-27

In this passage, we witness Martha’s profound encounter with Jesus during a moment of deep grief over her brother Lazarus’ death. Her words to Jesus, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died,” reveal both her pain and her trust in His power. Yet, Jesus shifts her perspective from earthly loss to eternal hope, declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life.” This bold statement is not just a promise for the future but an invitation to trust in Him now, in the midst of sorrow. Martha’s response, affirming her belief in Jesus as the Christ, challenges us to consider the depth of our own faith. Do we trust Jesus as the source of life, even when faced with loss or uncertainty? This passage calls us to anchor our hope in Christ’s power over death and His promise of eternal life.

Question for Reflection:

How can I deepen my trust in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, especially in moments of personal struggle or loss?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life, the source of all hope and eternal promise. In our moments of grief and doubt, strengthen our faith to trust in Your power and love. Help us to believe, like Martha, that You are the Christ who brings life even in the face of death. Guide us to live in Your truth and to share Your hope with others. Amen.

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