Scripture

Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him.

Observation

Word comes to Jesus that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is sick. Knowing that Lazarus has in fact died, Jesus stays where he is for two days before leaving for Bethany. By the time He arrives there, Lazarus has been dead and buried for four days.

Jesus proceeds to the tomb and orders it to be opened. He prays and then, in a loud voice, calls out, “Lazarus come out!”

To everyone’s amazement, Lazarus emerges, wrapped in grave cloths.

Application

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He has defeated the power of death.

Death is a part of life which it was never God’s intention for us to suffer. It came in with the sin of Adam and Eve. But now God has reversed the curse so that everyone who follows Jesus will live for ever.

This is not something for the distant future or a religious theory with no present relevance. It is a promise for right now.

Death has lost its sting.

Prayer

Thank you Father for your promise of eternal life. I do not have to fear death, for you have promised I will live for you for eternity. Amen.