John 11:22
Thoughts from Crystal Garnett
Dive Deeper
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies,”
John 11:22
Behind the Scenes
This I AM statement of Christ takes place in the town of Bethany. Jesus has been called to the bedside of His dear friend Lazarus. But instead of heeding the call and heading there immediately, Jesus waits, and by the time Jesus arrives on the scene, Lazarus has died. Martha, Lazarus’ sister comes to Jesus frustrated that He wasn’t there when they needed Him most. Jesus makes this I AM statement assuring Martha that He is Lord even over death.
I love what transpires after He makes this rather bold I AM statement. Jesus asks Martha if she believes. Her response is beautiful. She states simply, “Yes, Lord; I have come to believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, and He who comes into the world.” Then she goes and gets her sister Mary and brings her to Jesus.
Make it Real
I love that Martha’s statement of faith comes before Jesus miraculously raises her brother from the dead. It comes in light of Martha’s disappointment that Jesus didn’t do what she wanted Him to do. It comes in the middle of her despair. It comes before Martha probably even fully understands what Jesus is telling her. It wasn’t dependent on Jesus giving her what she wanted or life going her way.
I don’t know about you, but for me, when I’ve found myself faced with the frustration of life falling apart, that’s when the enemy loves to whisper into my ear, “What if everything you think you know if wrong?” That’s when the doubt rushes in. When the world seems to be crumbling around me, that’s when holding onto my faith is the hardest. But that’s also when it counts the most. That’s when I need it the most.
Jesus is our resurrection and life- not just eternally (though praise God He is that first and foremost!) If eternal resurrection and life were all He did for us, that would surely be more than enough. But Jesus is so very good and He doesn’t make us wait till after we leave this life to experience His resurrection and life. No, He meets us in the middle of our darkest valleys and breathes life into our most difficult circumstances.
See, it’s when faith in Jesus is the hardest that we need it the most. It’s precisely in these moments that we need to stand on our faith in who Jesus says He is- the Resurrection and the Life. He is the source of life for every situation we will face. He is the source of resurrection power we need when this life knocks us on our knees. He is more than enough.
Crystal Garnett
ACF Digital Discipleship Pastor
End in Prayer
Lord,
I want to declare my faith, right here and now, regardless of what You can do for me. I believe that you are the Christ. And like Martha, I profess that even when it’s hard. Lord, I trust You. I believe in You. You are the Christ. You are the Resurrection and Life. In You, I know all things work for the good of those who believe. I trust that whatever I face, You walk with me through it and You will bring about resurrection and life in it. Thank You for being all that You are, for giving me life abundant in You, and for being such a good and loving Lord.
In the name of Jesus Christ
Amen