Introduction
John 11:17–27: Jesus arrives in Bethany to find that his friend Lazarus has been buried for four days, and he speaks to the dead man’s sister, Martha. Today’s reading includes another of the “I am” passages (verse 25) that appear only in John’s Gospel—Jesus’s self-revelation connecting him to the divine name (see Exodus 3:14) and identifying him as the one who has come to make God known.
Today’s Key Verse: John 11:25–26a
Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; and those who live and believe in me will never die.”
Reading
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had been buried four days before. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Judeans had come to see Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother’s death.
20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died! 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask him for.”
23 “Your brother will rise to life,” Jesus told her.
24 “I know,” she replied, “that he will rise to life on the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; 26 and those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord!” she answered. “I do believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
Reflect
What does Jesus say to Martha (verses 23, 25, 26)? In verse 27, what does Martha’s response to Jesus indicate about her faith?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I believe you are the resurrection and the life, and I trust in you. As I walk with you each day, strengthen my faith and help me to grow in knowledge of you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 11:28–44: Lazarus is brought to life.
