Scripture: John 11:25-26 (NIV) – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”
Devotion:
As we celebrate Easter Sunday, we are drawn to the powerful words of Jesus recorded in John 11:25-26. In this passage, Jesus reveals profound truths about his identity and the hope that he offers to all who believe in him. As we reflect on these words, let us discover the significance of Easter and the eternal life that Jesus promises to his followers.
“I am the resurrection and the life.” With these words, Jesus declares his divine authority over life and death. He is not just a messenger of resurrection; he is the very embodiment of it. Jesus has the power to overcome death and bring new life to all who believe in him. He is the source of eternal life and the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation.
“The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” Jesus offers a radical redefinition of life and death. For those who believe in him, physical death is not the end but a transition to eternal life in his presence. Death no longer holds dominion over them, for Jesus has conquered the grave. And for those who are alive and believe in him, they experience the fullness of life that comes from a deep and abiding relationship with him.
“Do you believe this?” Jesus poses this question to Martha, but it is a question that resonates through the ages and pierces the depths of our hearts. Do we truly believe in Jesus as the resurrection and the life? Do we stake our hope and our future on his promises? Easter Sunday calls us to affirm our faith in Jesus as the one who has overcome death and offers us the gift of eternal life.
As we celebrate Easter Sunday, let us embrace the truth of Jesus’ words in John 11:25-26 with confidence and conviction. Let us believe in him as the resurrection and the life, and let us live each day in the light of his victory over death. And may the hope of Easter fill our hearts with joy and gratitude as we worship the risen Savior.
Prayer:
Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of eternal life that we celebrate on this Easter Sunday. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the resurrection and the life for all who believe in him. Help us to affirm our faith in Jesus and to live each day in the light of his victory over death. In his name, we pray. Amen.
