The loss of a loved one is always tragic, no matter the circumstances. Death for the Christian has lost its sting, but it is still a wretched and vile enemy. That’s why I’m so intrigued by Jesus’ interaction with Martha after the death of her brother Lazarus (John 11).
As Jesus approaches the family home, word reaches the sisters that He is coming. Martha, the woman of action, runs out to meet Him. It’s a sweet exchange, and tender. But it’s not overly emotional. Respectful, not demanding. Matter-of-fact, not weepy. They are discussing ideas, trying to solve a problem. Martha: “My brother died. I believe you could have prevented that. But either way, I still trust you.” Jesus: “Lazarus will rise again.” Martha: “I know he will, someday. I’m a good Jewess. I believe in a future resurrection.” (vv21-24)
But she’s missed the point. Jesus is not talking about sometime in the future. He’s saying: “Lazarus will rise again. Right now. That’s why I’m here. I’m going to fix this problem.” Of course she doesn’t understand all that from His statement. Who ever heard of someone being resurrected after 4 days in the tomb? Elijah and Elisha had brought dead bodies to life, but not like that. Even Jesus hadn’t done that.
But Jesus doesn’t just want her to know He’s going to fix the problem. He wants to take her to a deeper understanding of who He is, not just what He can do: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (vv25-26)
Notice carefully what He says: NOT “I have power to perform resurrection” or “I can provide you with future resurrection.” But “I AM the Resurrection and the Life.” In other words, He’s saying eternal life and rescue from death are not merely gifts He provides; they are aspects of what it means to be in His presence and live life with Him.
Jesus is saying: “What you want, what you need in this moment is embodied in me. Wherever I am, life is. If you have me, you have resurrection right here and now. You don’t need to wait until the last day. I am here, and I am the only life worth living.”
When someone confronts you with a claim like that, there is only one question left for you to answer: “Do you believe this?”