17Now when Jesus came, he found that Laz'arus had already been in the tomb four days. 18Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." 23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world."
Jesus says straight out - I am life. "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” I see this as a call to engage in the constant cycle of death and resurrection. Die to oneself and you’ll find life in Christ. This is not a decision we are called to make once. We are called to make it at every encounter. Loving Father, give me the strength and peace of heart to choose your will over mine at every human encounter. Amen.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful reflection that captures the heart of Jesus' message in John 11:17-27. Jesus’ statement, "I am the resurrection and the life," reveals that our life in Him transcends death and is marked by continuous transformation. Your insight about engaging in a "constant cycle of death and resurrection" speaks to the Christian call to let go of ego and personal desires, continually choosing Christ’s way in our interactions and decisions.
DeleteThe prayer for "strength and peace of heart to choose God's will over mine" aligns perfectly with the passage’s invitation to live in faith and trust, allowing Christ’s life to grow within us in every encounter. This act of daily surrender brings us closer to God, fostering a life that is ever-renewing, rich in spiritual purpose, and rooted in eternal life. Beautifully said!