Yeshua said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life! Whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25, TLV
Resurrection and Life. John’s chapter eleven is so rich with insights and wonders, I had no idea what to focus on today’s Daily Word. So, I settled on the most powerful. Jesus making it so clear that of all the prophets of old — even Moses — He was different. Yes, there were other prophets who were anointed by GOD to resurrect the dead (1 Kings 17:17ff; 2 Kings 13:20-21), but those resurrected would eventually die.
Yeshua said, “whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Whoa. That was different!
Did that mean Lazarus would never die again. No. All of Yeshua’s followers’ bodies have long been dust. But because their souls believed in Him, upon death of their body, they were reunited with their Rabbi — and Brother. Imagine the celebration!
Yeshua said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha said to Him, “I know, he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” (vss. 23-24, TLV)
Those who “followed” the teachings of the Pharisees absolutely believed in an eternal resurrection. Martha’s proclamation was not that unusual. Martha knew her brother would rise again on the last day.
The sect of Judaism called the Sadducees, did not.
But here, Jesus is saying “I am the resurrection and the life.” He told His disciples what was about to happen to Lazarus, but their minds couldn’t absorb it.
When Yeshua heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. It is for God’s glory, so that Ben-Elohim [Son of GOD] may be glorified through it.” (vs. 4, TLV)
How could that even register in the mind — especially with someone like Martha who just lost her beloved brother?
Many of us have lost loved ones. COVID, cancer, accidents, heart attacks, violence. Those redeemed by the Father’s Son and our Messiah are with Them even now. We grieve, but we grieve our loss here on earth. Our loved ones? They are partying and worshipping and exploring and receiving revelation that their minds can now handle. And that brings comfort in our sorrow.
One day, we’ll join the multitudes waiting for us. Won’t that be a day — an eternity!
