[Anglican Devotional 17 October 2021] Topic: The Hope Of Resurrection
TOPIC: The Hope Of Resurrection
READ: John 11:17-27 (NKJV)
So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days.
Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away.
And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.
Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
“But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
“And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
THE MESSAGE:
Today’s passage is one of the relevant scriptures that reveal Jesus Christ as the Resurrection and the Life. It also shows that resurrection of Christians is certain. The text is a continuation of the story of Lazarus (brother of Martha and Mary, and a friend of Jesus), who got sick and died (verse 1-5).
Many questions might arise in one’s heart like; If Jesus loved Lazarus so much, why did He permit him to get sick? Even more, why did He delay to go to the sisters who sent for Him? Could He not have healed Lazarus at a distance, as He did to the nobleman’s son? (John 4:43-54). These questions and more focused on why Jesus didn’t perform His miracle of healing. But far beyond that, Jesus wanted to prove Himself as the Resurrection. Many people limited that scope to this life; they did not have eternity in view. So, Jesus delayed miracle of healing and wrought the miracle of resurrection to affirm that resurrection is real in Christ alone (verses 25-27).
Christians are expected to grow their faith daily in Jesus Christ. We should look beyond this life and focus more on life after death. For those who still doubt resurrection, Jesus set Lazarus’ case as example. Jesus Himself resurrected from death on the third day. The collect for today, that is, Trinity 20, teaches us that Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that He might rule over all things as Lord. His ascension is a confirmation of His resurrection. Therefore, believe in Jesus Christ as Martha declared, and His resurrection power will liberate you from the power of death (Hebrews 2:14-15).
PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are the Resurrection and the Life; let Your resurrection power work wonders in my life. Amen.
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