John 11:17-44

Have you ever prayed hard for something, only to feel like God showed up too late? In the village of Bethany, sorrow hung heavy, as Lazarus’ two sisters, Mary and Martha, grieved. Their brother, Lazarus, lay dead for four days, long enough for the signs of decay to set in. It was into this setting of seeming finality that Jesus entered.

Martha, Lazarus’ sister, confronted Jesus with her heartbreak, expressing that if he’d been there, Lazarus would not have died. Yet, even amidst her despair, she acknowledged God would give Jesus whatever he asked. We see in this exchange the tension between human grief and divine possibility.

Jesus’ response—“I am the resurrection and the life”—positions him not just as a miracle worker but as the source of life. When he speaks, dead things have to listen. This moment served as a preview of the incredible event to come: his own resurrection.

Notice how this miracle speaks to God’s power to intervene in seemingly hopeless situations. Lazarus’ death felt final, but Jesus revealed that no situation is “too dead” for resurrection in God’s hands. This truth applies to our own lives, reminding us that God is not deterred by our broken relationships, shattered dreams, or deep despair. He breathes new life into our most challenging circumstances.

Emphasizing that belief comes before seeing the glory of God, Jesus called Lazarus forth, and he emerged still wrapped in burial clothes. This moment is more than a miracle—it is a picture of what Jesus does in our spiritual lives. Before we know him, we are spiritually dead, bound by sin and unable to bring ourselves back to life. But when we hear Christ’s call and place our faith in him, he brings us into new life.

This invites us to reflect on what “burial clothes” we still wear. What sins and burdens prevent us from experiencing the fullness of life offered in Christ?

Just as Lazarus left the grave behind, believers are called to leave behind the old patterns that once held them captive. In Christ we are no longer defined by the past. We are made new, invited to walk forward in freedom, hope, and the life that only Jesus can give.

The challenge of our faith is believing Christ’s resurrection power is available and active today in us. Christ calls us out, setting us free to walk in a new reality–abundant life in him. This Lent, let’s refuse to let any "dead thing" in our life remain settled. Let’s hold fast to the promise that Jesus offers–the gift of life transformed. He IS the resurrection and the life.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth that you don’t just provide resurrection and life, but that you indeed are the resurrection and the life. You not only rescue us from death and give us eternal life, you offer life now. Thank you for this gift. Amen.

Jennifer Bardell
Pastor, Women's Ministry - OKC

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