Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" — John 11:25-26

So again, let's talk context.

Jesus had a few very close friends during his time on earth and among those were a small family of siblings — Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. We read about them several times in the Gospels. But in this story, their brother Lazarus gets sick and dies. Jesus was not around for the events in the final week of his life. But four days after his death, Jesus finally arrives. As he enters the scene, the family is mourning, and friends and family are still gathered. They have already buried Lazarus. Martha rushes out to greet him, and she is devasted. 

There is a short interchange between Martha and Jesus. Part of it is Martha's communicating her regret that Jesus had not arrived sooner, and the other part is her hope that Jesus can do something about the present situation. And right here, at this moment, Jesus interjects a profound idea about who he is. He states, "I am the resurrection and the life." In other words, he is power over death. And as we continue reading, we discover that Jesus does raise Lazarus from death to life.

Now, remember, up to this moment, people had seen a lot of amazing things Jesus had done. Water changed to wine, blind men were given sight, lame men walked, and many were healed of disease. But as of yet, no one had seen a miracle of resurrection proportions. No one had been raised from the dead. Especially not someone who had been dead four days. This had never been done because it was not possible. Death was an undeniable law of nature. Everyone knew that everyone and everything died. Everyone! Even Jesus died.

So in this, we see another reason Easter, or the resurrection, is important. Jesus is power over the sentence of death. Death is the ultimate sting of this broken world. And fellas, our world is broke. It is dying daily. Everything in it is dying. Death is the penalty. And the only one who can defeat death is the one who holds the key to life. And Jesus not only holds the key, but he is the key. He is the resurrection and the life. Thus even though Jesus lived in human skin and endured being beaten, crucified, and died — he rose from the grave because he is not only a life-giver to Lazarus, he is life itself. Life for all who would believe in his name.

So today, look around. You are surrounded by death. I know it's a morbid thought, but signs of death are all around you. It's a reminder that all things have an end, including you. The end is death. But there is one who holds the key. The key to life. He is the life-giver. His name is Jesus.

ASK THIS: Where in your life would you like to have life?

DO THIS: Seek Jesus and find life.

PRAY THIS: God, give me and those around me life.

PLAY THIS: Giver Of Life.

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