The story of Lazarus' death is recounted in John 11, where Jesus utters the famous words, "I am the resurrection and the life." As Jesus arrives in the city, Martha greets him while Mary stays behind. Martha's conversation with him shows her deep faith in God's promise of resurrection, and Jesus' response reveals his own identity as the source of that promise. By declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life," Jesus reveals a profound truth and makes one of the seven "I Am" statements found in the Gospel of John. He assures Martha that whoever believes in him, even in death, will live. This is a moment of connection and understanding between two individuals who recognize the power and purpose of Jesus' mission on earth.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Jesus, confronted by the grief surrounding him, doesn't remain stoic or detached. Instead, he weeps. This interaction provides a vivid glimpse into the emotional depth of Jesus. He openly expresses his grief, shedding tears and groaning in his spirit. The image of Jesus shedding tears is a powerful testament to his empathy and connection with the human condition. It's a moment of vulnerability, a divine acknowledgment of the pain and sorrow that death brings. In a world where expressing deep emotions can be challenging, Jesus serves as a model, embracing and articulating his feelings without reservation. In this emotional response, Jesus shatters any perception of a distant or indifferent deity. His tears affirm depth of human emotions, standing in solidarity with those who mourn.

The phrase "I am the resurrection and the life" takes on new meaning against the backdrop of Jesus's tears. It's not a distant promise but a present reality, infused with compassion. Jesus, the embodiment of resurrection and life, enters into our sorrow, offering comfort and hope. Its implications are profound, not just regarding the afterlife, but also in challenging preconceptions about resurrection. Martha's response, which is rooted in Old Testament references to the resurrection, underscores the historical and biblical context.

To grasp the meaning behind the prophetic books, a deep dive into Israel's history is necessary. The events of the exodus from Egypt and Babylon, as well as the anticipation of a prophet like Moses, are crucial. In Deuteronomy 18, Moses predicts the arrival of a prophet like himself, promising a new covenant and law. The prophetic books, ranging from Isaiah to Malachi, lay the foundation for understanding the arrival of a significant figure. Isaiah 40 introduces the suffering servant, while Isaiah 41 emphasizes God's chosen descendants of Abraham. Isaiah 42 describes the Lord's servant, echoing Jesus' role in bringing justice without fanfare. These prophecies culminate in Ezekiel 37's vision of dry bones, signaling hope and restoration for Israel.

Hosea further illuminates the collective consciousness of Israel, with promises of comfort, covenant, and betrothal to God. Over the course of four centuries, the hope for restoration was shaped by the expectation of divine intervention. Jesus, in the guise of the prophetic figures, alters expectations by declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life." His arrival challenges the prevailing idea of a movement and instead highlights the importance of a personal connection with Him.

A fresh perspective from Matthew 19 reveals that people expected a movement rather than a person. In the encounter with the young ruler, a deep longing for prosperity in God's kingdom is revealed. Jesus redirects the focus from rule-following to personal surrender, urging followers to let go of everything and follow Him. This profound teaching highlights that thriving in God's realm requires a personal connection with Jesus, transcending mere adherence to rules.


A certain monk, residing in a monastery in British Columbia, befriended a prisoner on the verge of passing away at a nearby facility. Despite his advanced age, the monk arranged transportation to the prison to visit his friend who had requested his presence. During the entire drive, the abbot wore blackout glasses to remain focused on God and avoid any distractions.

The story of the Greek Orthodox monk highlights the profound dedication required to find God. Similar to how Jesus challenged the rich young ruler to let go of worldly possessions, this monk made union with God his top priority. His unwavering focus serves as a reminder that encountering God demands a willingness to surrender everything.

As we reflect on this narrative, we're prompted to ask ourselves, "What holds me back from giving it all up and following Jesus?" This introspective question resonates with the rich young ruler's struggle. The call to lay down whatever impedes our connection with God is a prophetic action, a symbolic laying down at His feet.

God continues to extend this invitation: What holds us back? Reflecting on this question is an opportunity to identify and relinquish the barriers to a deeper connection with Jesus. Whether it's anger, lust, pride, or worldly distractions, this moment beckons us to lay it down, embracing the promise of resurrection and life that Jesus offers. Today can be the day we choose to let go and receive the transformative life He promises in return.