Question from Jesus : Do you believe this ? (8) - Proposed reading : John 11. 1-44

Friday March 11, 2022

Jesus said to him : I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even if he were dead ; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this ? John 11. 25, 26

Questions from Jesus : Do you believe this ? (8) - Proposed reading : John 11. 1-44

By its place, at the center of the Gospel of John, by the power of the sign, the most extraordinary of miracles, the resurrection of Lazarus constitutes a key stage in the revelation of the person of Jesus Christ.

A man named Lazare is sick. Despite the affection that Jesus has for him and his sisters, Martha and Mary, he does not join his friend who is dying. The story underlines the pain of the sisters, but also their faith in Jesus : “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died”. The dialogue that follows between Martha and Jesus culminates with this question of Jesus : "I am the resurrection and the life... Do you believe this ?" Martha believed in a general resurrection of the dead at the end of time. Jesus leads her to a personal faith in him.

Do you believe this ? To this brief question, Marthe answers : "Yes, Lord !" Marthe's situation has not changed, her brother's body is still in the tomb. Her pain is still just as intense, yet she dares to grab the hand that is outstretched and will help her live her ordeal differently. Can she affirm, despite her pain, her faith in Jesus, whom she recognizes as the Christ, the Son of God ? Jesus speaks again with Mary then goes to the tomb of Lazarus and resurrects him.

Jesus came into our world of suffering and death, to bring us eternal life through his sacrifice on the cross. Whoever believes it, even if he dies, will rise one day at the call of the Son of God.

Do you believe this ? Question which is also for us.

Source (The Good Seed)