“Jesus said to her, ‘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?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she told him, ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.’ ” (John 11:25-27)
Jesus tried to tell Martha what was about to happen, but she thought he was just consoling her. He said, “Your brother will rise again.” She said, “Yes, I know, at the end when the big resurrection happens.”
Jesus didn’t correct her right away. He made sure she was (and we are) making the connection between faith in Jesus and eternal life. He is “the life.” If we want to live – even after we die – he is “the resurrection.” He’s the only door to the life on the other side of life. Martha understood he was the Christ, the Messiah, and soon she would know he had power over any grave.
Jesus asked Martha the question everyone must answer: “Do you believe this?” Belief in Jesus is the key to the door of eternity.
Think: When did you answer the question of belief in Jesus once and for all? Have you ever asked anyone if they believe in Jesus?
Pray: If you’re a Christian, thank God for the faith to believe in Jesus and the gift of eternal life.
Do: Think of someone you know you could ask these questions to this week: “Do you know if you have eternal life?” “What do you believe about Jesus?”