Jesus, Resurrection and Life

Scripture        Read John 11:1-27
Focus Verse    John 11:25            
I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. 

Commentary: Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary were as close as family to Jesus and his disciples. When Lazarus died, the reality of death came not just to his sisters but to them all.  Jesus took this opportunity to share deep theological truths about himself, confronting Martha particularly with the statement, "your brother will rise again."  This is as deep a conversation about his resurrection as we find in scripture.  To his statement, "I am the resurrection and the life," Martha responds by exclaiming, "I believe you are the Messiah!"  With this simple conversation, Jesus helps Martha know what she believes and moves her from a place of despair into a place of new hope.

Reflection: How do you understand resurrection and new life?  Where do you place your hope?
    
Prayer Breathing in … Resurrected Jesus
Prayer Breathing out … You are my Hope

If music is a spiritual pathway for you, I'd love to know what song/hymn you would have chosen for this one.  I finally chose Casting Crowns, "Glorious Day," via YouTube. It's not a Christmas song but it beautifully illustrated hope in the resurrection.  May you find the hope within it!