Has someone you love died? Then you know the feelings death detonates in your body: anger, self-pity, depression, confusion, grief, anguish.

Scripture tells of Jesus’ close friend, Lazarus, who was sick. Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, quickly sent word. “Come, Lord, and save him!” But incredibly, Jesus didn’t come. Lazarus died. The sisters entombed Lazarus and sank into grief and confusion. Where was the Lord? Jesus could’ve saved their brother! Weren’t they his closest friends? Four days later Jesus finally showed up! Martha, beside herself with grief, accused, “Jesus, if you’d been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” John 11:1-43

Jesus quietly answered, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this” (John 11:25-26)? I don’t think Martha had a clue what He meant. Would you?

They walked to the tomb and Jesus commanded the stone sealing the entry be rolled away. Then, stunning everyone, he commanded, “Lazarus, come out!” Instantly Lazarus stood before him! Alive! Jesus ordered the grave clothes removed and mayhem followed as incredulous onlookers gawked and shouted, pushing and shoving to get a better look. Did anyone pinch Lazarus to see if this miracle was real? I would’ve.

Jesus’ name is The Resurrection and The Life. His dying is mankind’s only hope, then and now.

Resurrection in Greek means anastasis: literally a resurrection from the dead; a standing up again. Can we wrap our minds around that? Jesus promises to stand us on our feet again. Not just when we die but when we fail or sin. Faith in Him opens the door for this miracle of new life, eternal life.

Lazarus is Jesus’ ‘show and tell’ of His power to stand men up again. Jesus later demonstrated His power over His own death by rising on the third day after crucifixion. He has the authority and power to lay down his life and stand up again alive. John 10:18 He is resurrection. He is life. No other god has that power.

Jesus gives eternal life to those who believe Him. “For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9).

Jesus wakened Lazarus from death so Jesus would get glory, people would see His glory and believe, and so Lazarus would live again.

Do you know this astonishing God who raises dead folks? Who lifts us into abundant newness of life now no matter our trials and heartaches and promises a tomorrow seated next to Him in Heaven?

Ask Him if He’s real. Test Him and see if He answers. But watch out, Jesus will call your name, remove your grave clothes and stand you on your feet. Forever.

Father of Life, resurrect me from my grave and unwrap me to newness of life. I believe, help my unbelief. Thank you, amen.

Questions: Do you know this Jesus who is ”The Resurrection and The Life”? If you know Him, what difference has He made in your life?

About the Author  Petey Prater

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, The Cross: Why we Believe, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog