By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

I Am the Resurrection and the Life!

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“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 English Standard Version

Death is a scary subject in this world.  Most people avoid speaking of death or dying, even to their loved ones.  Faced with their mortality and the uneasy feeling that they are not ready to deal with eternal issues, death is only joked about or avoided in their conversations.

But Jesus did not avoid death.  He faced it head on.  When his friend Lazarus died Jesus stated to Lazarus’ sister Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.  Whoever believes in my, though he die, yet shall he live…”  The reason that Jesus did not avoid facing death is that he is the answer to death.  For all who believe in him, even if they die, yet shall they live.

This statement changes everything about death.  Instead of avoiding death we too can face death head on.  Knowing that Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection have brought me salvation and eternal life means that I don’t have to be afraid of death or uneasy about what will happen to me when I die.

And I don’t have to be afraid of grieving and showing emotion when someone dies.  As Jesus wept for those who had lost Lazarus, we also can weep for the pain of death that separates us from one another for a time.  Therefore, in the midst of death we can grieve and sorrow for our loss and at the same time, rejoice in our sure eternal life in Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus has changed everything about facing death.  In him we have peace, even in the midst of loss and sorrow.  Praise God that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life!  Amen.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado