Week 9 | Day 1 I AM THE RESURRECTION John 11:1-45

In this text, John records the death and resurrection of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, set within the context of growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. When Lazarus became ill, Jesus deliberately delayed His arrival, allowing Lazarus to die so that God’s glory might be revealed more fully. Upon reaching Bethany, Jesus encountered Martha and Mary in their grief, each expressing faith mingled with sorrow and confusion. Jesus affirmed Martha’s belief in the resurrection and then demonstrated deep compassion by weeping with those who mourned, showing that divine power and human empathy coexist perfectly in Him.

The significance of this passage is profound. Jesus did not merely speak about resurrection—He embodied it. By calling Lazarus out of the tomb, Jesus revealed His authority over death and foreshadowed His own resurrection. This miracle became the final and greatest sign that accelerated opposition against Him, leading directly toward the cross. The lesson is clear: God’s delays aren’t denials, suffering isn’t pointless, and Jesus isn’t only able to give life at the end of time—He is the resurrection and the life right now.

Application
 
1. Bring Your Disappointments to Jesus rather than Suppressing Them

Tell Jesus exactly what you feel and why, trusting He can handle your honesty and meet you there.

2. Choose Faith in God’s Promises When Answers seem Delayed

Keep obeying and believing what God said even when you can’t yet see what God is doing.

3. Invite Jesus into the “Dead Places” of Your Life that Feel Beyond Hope

Surrender the areas that seem hopeless to Christ and ask Him to bring His life and power into them.

4. Trust God to Work for His Glory even through Pain and Loss

Believe God can redeem suffering for a greater purpose even when it hurts and doesn’t make sense.

5. Live Daily with Confidence that Jesus is the Source of True Life

Face each day anchored in Christ, knowing your real security, joy, and future are found in Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. Help me trust You when Your timing confuses me and Your ways stretch my faith. Thank You for meeting me in my grief, for caring deeply about my pain, and for holding power over every impossible situation. Teach me to believe more fully, to surrender what feels dead, and to live in the hope You provide. May my life reflect confidence in Your promises and obedience to Your voice. Amen.