Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection, and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.” (Jn. 11:25)

It was in the midst of the darkness, gloom and despair of death that Jesus spoke these powerful and promising words... “I am the resurrection and the life.” How comforting indeed to consider and be reminded of today! We are no strangers to the feelings of pain and emptiness when death takes away those we love. Death leaves us feeling lonely and searching for comfort. Know that Jesus is The Resurrection and the Life!

This self-portrait of Jesus is full of hope for the Christian. They are words we can turn to for hope and comfort when death strikes our home. Not only are these words comforting in dealing with the loss of those we love, they are also powerful words to consider in view of the fact that one day we too will experience death. Try as we might to escape it, or prolong its arrival, eventually the day will come when we will die (Ecc. 3:2; Heb. 9:27). Our physical bodies are not designed to live eternally (cf. 1 Cor. 15:42-58). In view of the inevitability of death, these words of Jesus are just one of the many promises of God we can stand on in facing death (cf. 2 Tim. 4:6-8). Because Jesus in full truth can say, “I am the Resurrection and the Life”, the Christian in death can sing in full truth, “Even so, it is well with My soul!”

Scriptures: John 11:1-42; 1 Cor. 15:1-19, 45-58;

1 Thess. 4:13-18

1. Why didn’t Jesus go right away to Mary and Martha when He heard Lazarus was sick?

2. Discuss the reaction of Martha and Mary at the arrival of

Jesus. How would you have reacted?

3. Why did Jesus weep?

4. Why do you think John told us, “Jesus wept”?

5. What did Jesus mean when He said, “...everyone who

believes in Me will live even if he dies?

6. What did Paul want for the brethren in Thessalonica?

(1 Thess. 4:13)

7. What does it mean for us that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life?