Day 3: Jesus:

Scripture: John 11:25-26, 1 Corinthians 15:19-22

John 11:25-26

25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”

1 Corinthians 15:19-22

19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.

Today, we drive deep into the heart of the Gospel as Jesus declares "I am the resurrection and the life," (John 11:25). This is not merely a philosophical statement; it's a profound revelation of His divine power and authority. For centuries, death held dominion over humanity, casting a long shadow of fear and despair. As sin entered the world through Adam, and the wages of sin are death, (that is a physical and spiritual death; the eternal separation from God) Romans 3:23-24 reminds us that all of humanity would be hopeless without the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. “23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” But with the resurrection of Jesus, this age-old enemy was finally vanquished. He, who experienced death itself, emerged victorious, offering the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him.

1 Corinthians 15 paints a vivid picture of this reality: "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable... But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep..." (1 Corinthians 15:19-20). This is not a distant, ethereal hope; it's a tangible reality. The resurrection of Jesus assures us that death is not the end, but a gateway to a new and eternal life with Him.

This profound truth extends beyond the realm of the afterlife. It calls us to live a life empowered by the resurrection right now, – a life characterized by hope, joy, and a profound sense of purpose that transcends the limitations of this earthly existence. We are called to live "resurrected lives," allowing the life of Christ to permeate every aspect of our being. We are called to love as He loved, to serve as He served, and to extend grace and forgiveness as He did.

Reflection:

How does this truth – that Jesus is the resurrection and the life – impact your understanding of death and the afterlife?

How does it change your perspective on the challenges and struggles you face in daily life?

How can you live more fully in the present, recognizing that your true life is hidden with Christ in God?