Jesus said to her [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11: 25-26 (ESV)
As we continue our Lenten walk towards Holy Week and Easter, reflecting on Jesus’ suffering and death, let us ponder His question to Martha, “Do you believe this?”
In our faith journey, we experience many challenging and sometimes heartbreaking realities that can cause us to dismay, and we are tempted to think that we are alone in bearing the burdens of life. Doubt can even creep into our minds. For Martha, it was the illness and subsequent death of her brother Lazarus.
Martha has set for us a good example in her expression of faith in the midst of deep sadness and profound grief in response to the statement by Jesus. She received a miracle far beyond her expectation. Her brother was raised from the dead.
When we talk to the Lord Jesus in our time of trouble and need and trust in Him, He blesses us with the miracle of faith and gives us hope. Having received the gift of faith, may we be bold as Martha and testify - “Yes, Lord; I believe...”. John 11:27 (ESV)
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, come to our aid and strengthen our faith that we might at all times believe your word of truth. We pray this in your most holy name. Amen.
June Deebrah
Vice President of Human Care
Triune Zone President
St. Matthews Lutheran Church, New York