Cross Into Your Life
The Resurrection
The quote above is Jesus speaking to Martha, the sister of Lazarus. Lazarus has passed away. Martha goes out to meet Jesus as he nears the village where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. As soon as she reaches Jesus Martha says, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would never have died. Even now I am sure that God will give you whatever you ask of Him." (John 11:21-22 NAB)
Wow! That is some faith on Martha's part. Her brother has died and has been buried for four days. Four days! And still Martha believes that the Father can save Lazarus if only Jesus will ask Him. Wow! We should all have faith like that.
Jesus replies to Martha, "Your brother will rise again."
"I know he will rise again," Martha replied, "in the resurrection on the last day." (John 11:23-24 NAB)
So Martha is confident that Lazarus will rise to eternal life in the resurrection. So she is not asking Jesus for that. She is asking Jesus for one thing more. Bring Lazarus back now. She completely trusts that Jesus, through the Father, has the ability to bring Lazarus back to life right now. Even after four days in the tomb! Amazing!
That is when Jesus responds, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26 NIV)
Wow! Jesus is the eternal life. The rich young ruler in Luke's gospel was searching for the key to eternal life when he spoke to Jesus. How ironic that Jesus is the key. Jesus is the eternal life!
"Do you believe this?" (John 11:26 NAB)
Jesus is asking Martha. But he is asking you and I the same question as well. Do you believe Jesus is the resurrection? Is your answer, "Yes?"
Martha answered yes. And so much more.
"Yes, Lord," she replied. "I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God: he who is to come into the world." (John 11:27 NAB)
Wow! What is your answer? Pray. Go to church. Find your way to "Yes."
t t t t t t t t t t t t t
About the painting:
I knew this painting had to be powerful! It had to catch your attention and hold your gaze! Imagine being present at the resurrection! How transfixed you would be to see the risen Jesus!
I wanted the painting to be very bright to show the glory of the resurrection. I wanted it to be a mosaic in the tradition of church art through the ages. I wanted it to have lots of colors to show the diversity of all people touched by the power of the resurrection.
I hope this painting catches your attention and holds it on the power and glory of the resurrection until you come to believe and like Martha, you can answer Jesus and say, "Yes!"
t t t t t t t t t t t t t
