“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” John 11:25-26KJV

“In this passage, Jesus received news that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was sick. After waiting a couple of days, Jesus and the disciples headed to Lazarus’ home in Bethany. By then, Jesus and his disciples knew Lazarus had died but He had said Lazarus’ illness was “for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (NIV).

As with many of the Jews, Jesus wanted to comfort Martha and Mary in the loss of their brother. Upon arrival in Bethany, Martha went out to meet Jesus, but Mary stayed home to grieve. Martha confronted Jesus by declaring her belief that Lazarus would have lived if Jesus had arrived before he died. Then she indicated her faith in Jesus’ power by stating, “I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (v. 22 NIV). This is the confidence believers should have in Christ when we face seemingly impossible circumstances. Christians must remember that “with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26).

In response to Martha’s statement, Jesus called Himself “the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). Jesus was seeking to teach Martha and the disciples that He had power over death and the ability to impart life to all who believed in Him. Death is not the end for those who believe in Christ; it is the beginning of a new phase of their everlasting life. Then, Jesus asked Martha if she believed this truth. This is a critical question we all need to answer, especially as we enter our later years of life.

Next, one of the most remarkable scenes in Scripture takes place. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in the presence of Martha, Mary, and many other witnesses! The resurrection of Lazarus demonstrated Jesus’ power over death. As Christians, we should find great comfort and encouragement in this story.” (Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary, Pathway Press, 2015)