The Resurrected Life

John 11: 21-27

“21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Martha was a woman of action.  She was the woman who was in the kitchen complaining that Mary wasn’t helping her when Jesus visited their home earlier.  Now,  as soon as she hears that Jesus has arrived, she is out the door greeting Him, and Mary lingers behind.

Martha’s greeting was one of reproach and one of faith.  She believed that Jesus could have saved Lazarus but she also believed it was too late for anything to be done.  She believed in the resurrection, but a resurrection that would occur at the culmination of time.

Jesus told her that the resurrection she believed in was standing in front of her; that He was the resurrection.  Through Him people would have new life; through Him people would become new; through Him people would have eternal, everlasting life.

And Martha believed.  

Faith is the key to a resurrected life in Christ.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)