Lazarus, Jesus’ close friend, had died, and it was four days later when Jesus arrived on the scene, saying to his heartbroken sister, Martha, “Your brother will rise again” (John 11:23). Martha affirms her belief in a future resurrection, which is the hope of all believers in accordance with the words of Jesus, Himself, in John 5:28-29, “the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth … ” But His resurrection power was about to be manifested that very day, in a demonstration of this power through His life-giving word. Jesus is seeking to turn this incident into a lesson on spiritual death and resurrection, as we see in John 11:25, where He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” Here is the present tense, “I am …” and here He acknowledges the reality of physical death and future resurrection; but then move to verse 26… “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die…”. This statement can only apply to spiritual life and resurrection. Paul writes to believers in Colossians 2:13, “And you being dead in your trespasses… He has made alive.” In John 11:43-44, Jesus cried out, “Lazarus, come forth! And he who had died came out…”. As is the physical so is the spiritual. Have you experienced the power of the word of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection? Eternal life is offered to all that believe (verse 26).
Resurrection Power
-By Rose Hill
O the power that was manifest,
To some who in the grave did rest.
When called forth by Christ they did arise,
Those looking on were sure surprised.
Lazarus was one who was very sick,
His sisters said, Lord please come quick.
But Jesus waited yet two days,
To show them of God’s powerful ways.
Jesus Himself faced death dark and cold,
And was laid in a sepulcher we are told.
But death could never keep Him down,
He arose in power and wears the crown.
So come to Jesus who is our life,
And be set free from sin and strife.
For we have the promise when a saint dies,
On resurrection day he shall arise.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.