In our day-to-day life, we acknowledge God’s power and encourage others to believe in it. Yet sometimes it takes a trial for us to realize the extent and reality of our confession.

The disciples misunderstand Jesus’ reference to death and resurrection (John 11:11–12), so he displays his power through a trial and a miracle—the death and raising of Lazarus. Before Jesus has raised Lazarus, Mary and Martha express, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). While their statement is a confession, it reveals their limited view of Jesus’ power. The crowd echoes Mary and Martha’s sentiment: “Was not this man who opened the eyes of the blind able to do something so that this man also would not have died?” (John 11:37). Yet, they don’t realize that Jesus has been planning for this moment to provide them with a chance to believe.

Jesus uses this miracle of raising Lazarus to challenge and encourage them while showing them that he is the source of life. The question he poses to Martha should be one we all consider: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die forever. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26)

What trials has God used to show you that he is the true life?

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