Living Hope

 

Scripture Reading: John 11:17–27

I am the resurrection and the life. 

The one who believes in me will live, 

even though they die.

John 11:25

“If only…” These words often accompany grief and disappointment. If only help had arrived sooner. If only circumstances had been different. Martha brings her own “if only” to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days, and her sorrow is deep. Yet she comes to Jesus, bringing both her disappointment and her continuing trust. He receives her words and draws her into conversation. We, too, can bring our questions honestly before him. Psalm 62:8 invites us to pour out our hearts to God, confident that he is our refuge. Faith gives us somewhere to take our grief.

When Jesus promises that her brother will rise again, Martha affirms her belief in the resurrection at the last day. Then Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.” The One who holds her future stands before her in the present. Peter assures us that God has given us a living hope through Christ’s resurrection from the dead (1 Peter 1:3). Living hope grows as we learn to entrust ourselves to Jesus, whose presence sustains us today and whose promise holds our future. Even death cannot destroy the life we have in him.

Jesus asks Martha, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). Before Lazarus emerges from the tomb, she confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Martha’s confession reminds us that faith can take root in sorrow. Before she sees what Jesus will do, she declares whom she believes. As a resurrection people, we are invited to trust him amid our uncertainties. Because Jesus lives, we can face today with courage, accompany those who mourn, and entrust our future to his care. His promise becomes our reassurance: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, 

Strengthen our living hope in Jesus. Meet us in our sorrow, deepen our trust, and help us share your comfort with others. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.