August, 2002

“I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

While Jesus was across the Jordan, an urgent message about His friend Lazarus who was critically ill, in Bethany was sent to Him. Instead of rushing to his rescue, Jesus stayed where He was for two extra days as if He wanted to be certain that Lazarus would die. By the time He arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Many who don’t believe in miracle claim that Lazarus was in a coma, not dead. The detailed record of the incident, including the removal of the linen which wrapped around Lazarus is an indication that he was indeed dead, not swooned. Even if Lazarus didn’t die from his sickness, having been wrapped with linen four days would have suffocated him. Lazarus was resurrected, not resuscitated. This miracle was recorded to show that Jesus has the authority over life and death.

Just as using the miracle of the five loads and two fish to feed the five thousand to proclaim “I am the Bread of Life,” Jesus used the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead to proclaim “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” Even without raising Lazarus, Jesus could still claim to be the Resurrection and the Life, but He did it so that we may believe without a reasonable doubt.

God told Adam and Eve that the day they ate of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, they would surely die. Being driven away from the Garden of Eden, an image of God’s very presence, indicated that their spiritual life was dead. So were their descendents. When Jesus said “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” He was proclaiming authority to revive the spiritually “dead.” Raising a dead man proves His ability. Therefore, for those who believe, they will never taste death (eternal separation from God) in its truest meaning. Jesus asked Martha, “Do you believe this?” Many people criticized Martha, but her belief was so sound. She said, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God.” (Please refer to John 20:31). Today, Jesus is still asking you, “Do you believe this?” By believing you may have life in His name, which means through Jesus, your life-line is connected with God. In that case, you can draw His power to battle your daily crisis, as monumental as physical death. May I suggest for you to read from John 11:1—12:11.

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