“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?’” (John 11:25-26 NLT)
Recently I spent some time in this passage—the only record in the gospels of Lazarus’ death. It is an amazing story. And every year, as Easter approaches, I am caught up in the events of Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. These days are solemn occasions, each emphasizing and looking ahead to the death of Christ.
Over the past month several good friends have passed away. One very young—leaving behind his wife and two-month-old baby—and the other an elderly saint who has served God well. I will miss both of them for varying reasons. But their absence is palpable.
After reading this passage, however, I was struck by the miracle of Easter—what Jesus means to us, his followers. As he spoke to Martha and Mary 
about Lazarus dying, he reminds them—and us—that those who believe in Jesus will live on . . . “even after dying.” Wow. What an Easter message. Hope for today. Hope for tomorrow. And the question, as Jesus posed it to Martha, could be asked of us today: Do we believe this? I pray that this Easter may be a joyous season of belief.
By Publisher Don Pape