1. Your brother will rise again (17-24)

Jesus found his friends suffering under the power of death, for Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. The house was full of sorrowful mourners. Martha left them and came to Jesus. Her greeting (21) reveals her disappointment at his coming too late. She was so full of sorrow and self-pity that even Jesus' arrival didn't move her heart. She couldn't accept the good news he brought; she interpreted it theologically. Her theology was right, but theology in her head had no power to change her life.

2. I am the resurrection and the life (25-28)

Jesus' presence makes a difference. When he comes, the dark clouds of despair and fatalism are dispelled. He had come to give life to dead Lazarus and living faith to the spiritually dead sisters. In Jesus there is no death, for he is the resurrection and the life.

Application: Lord, come in your risen power and make your dwelling in my heart.
One Word: Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life