Jesus said to Martha, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. John 11:25
Further Reading
John 11
Artist:
Rembrandt
Completion Date: 1630
Gallery:
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, CA, USA
When
messengers inform Jesus of Lazarus’s illness, Jesus does not declare a command of
healing, but instead assures everyone that Lazarus sickness will not end in death. Then
he continues in his work and ministry.
So much so that he goes to see Lazarus only two days later.
Jesus goes boldly to Judea even though there were death threats issued for him
and his disciples. Jesus knew that until the time came for his arrest, nothing
could stop him from ministering to the needs of the people.
By
the time they arrive Lazarus has been dead and buried. Martha comes to
Jesus expressing her sorrow of Lazarus loss. Jesus assures her, “I am the
resurrection and the life. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will
never die.” Then he asks Martha do you believe this? Then she affirms her faith
in Jesus.
When
Mary came weeping to Jesus, he was overwhelmed with grief and wept. Here
again we see the humanness of Christ, sorrow over Mary’s tears and anger
towards mans powerlessness over the sting of death. With Martha Jesus spoke with power but, with Mary he
expressed his grief and sorrow.
It
is here in Bethany we see again, the cross cast its heavy shadow on the Jesus ministry. He
comes increasing under the watchful eyes of the religious authorities and
people of Jerusalem. Caiaphas words following
Lazarus’s resurrection, become almost ominously prophetic as he says, that it is better one man should die
for the people, than the whole nation perish.
During
lent we look at the way Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death He
wanted them to see that everyone who believes in him will live even after
dying. Everyone who lives and believes in Christ will never die. Christ will come again, and nothing can stop
this from happening. Do you Believe?
Lord I Believe
Lyrics by The Brooklyn
Tabernacle Choir
Though I can't see Your holy face
And Your throne in heaven above
It seems so far away
And though I can't touch your nail scarred hands
I have a deep unspeakable joy
That makes my faith to stand
Chorus:
Lord, I believe in You
I'll always believe in You
Though I can't see you with my eyes
Deep in my heart
Your presence I find
Lord, I believe in You
And I'll keep my trust in You
Let this whole world say what they may
No one can take this joy away
Lord, I believe
And Your throne in heaven above
It seems so far away
And though I can't touch your nail scarred hands
I have a deep unspeakable joy
That makes my faith to stand
Chorus:
Lord, I believe in You
I'll always believe in You
Though I can't see you with my eyes
Deep in my heart
Your presence I find
Lord, I believe in You
And I'll keep my trust in You
Let this whole world say what they may
No one can take this joy away
Lord, I believe
2 comments:
The words of Jesus "I am the resurrection and the life," was only fully understood after the resurrection of Christ.
In Memoriam A.H.H. is a poem by the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, completed in 1849. It is a requiem for the poet's Cambridge friend Arthur Henry Hallam, who died suddenly of a cerebral haemorrhage in Vienna in 1833. The following are some of the verses of the poem which was originally titled the way of the soul, written over a period of 12 years.
When Lazarus left his charnel-cave,
And home to Mary's house return'd,
Was this demanded -- if he yearn'd
To hear her weeping by his grave?
"Where wert thou, brother, those four days?"
There lives no record of reply,
Which telling what it is to die
Had surely added praise to praise.
From every house the neighbours met,
The streets were fill'd with joyful sound,
A solemn gladness even crown'd
The purple brows of Olivet.
Behold a man raised up by Christ!
The rest remaineth unreveal'd;
He told it not; or something seal'd
The lips of that Evangelist.
Her eyes are homes of silent prayer,
Nor other thought her mind admits
But, he was dead, and there he sits,
And he that brought him back is there.
Then one deep love doth supersede
All other, when her ardent gaze
Roves from the living brother's face,
And rests upon the Life indeed.
All subtle thought, all curious fears,
Borne down by gladness so complete,
She bows, she bathes the Saviour's feet
With costly spikenard and with tears.
Thrice blest whose lives are faithful prayers,
Whose loves in higher love endure;
What souls possess themselves so pure,
Or is there blessedness like theirs?
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