LEARNING DAILY

John 11:25, Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

I would have liked to hear Jesus make this statement. What words did He emphasize? Did He ask, “Do YOU believe this?” Or did He ask, “Do you BELIEVE this?” Or did He ask, “Do you believe this?” Maybe it does not really matter. The question, however, is personal, it is direct to each of us because He loves each person. Jesus is talking to Martha about the death of her brother Lazarus. He is declaring His divine authority and giving her and all Believers a message of hope and eternal life for all who believe in Him.

“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” What assurance this statement is to Believers. It goes beyond all limitations of one’s earthly existence, pointing at an everlasting life that only Jesus can give. Believing in Him will result in eternal life with Him in His kingdom! Jesus showed Martha (and us) that the resurrection is a Person not an event, eternal life is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; it is something that Believers experience right now, not some event that occurs in the future.

This question must be answered by each individual – not just an intellectual response. He wants to know if you believe he is the Son of God. Are you willing to confess He is the Lord of your life and willing to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30)? To do that is humanly impossible. Believers have been cleansed of their sin and have the Holy Spirit to help them to love Him and walk the narrow way to do the impossible. Living and trusting His promises of eternal life happens by trusting Him to give strength and guidance each day.

It is one thing to know the gospel intellectually. It is another to attempt to conform to its moral standards. That requires a personal decision each day to follow God’s Word, to be obedient to it, to imitate God’s love and compassion, and to seek to glorify and honor Him in all aspects of your life. It involves surrendering your will to His and allowing Him to transform your heart and mind so you can live according to His purposes. Jesus assures each believer that believing and walking with Him brings eternal life. That comes with the Believer’s active trust and commitment.

Acts 16:31 states, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” That requires Believers to transfer their reliance on their own efforts to trusting in Jesus Christ, trusting Him for your salvation, purpose, fulfilment, and joy.

“Do YOU believe this?”