Do You Believe

by Dr. Al Hearne II

[This image, Do You Believe, was created by DALL·E.]

 

1 Thes. 2:8, "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."

 

This exchange between Jesus and Martha happens amid sorrow, confusion, and grief. Lazarus has died. Jesus, though aware of his sickness, deliberately delays His arrival. To the watching world, it seems as if Jesus is late. At face value, it appears Jesus has made a mistake in delaying and did not do His job correctly. Yet Jesus wasn't late. He showed up right on time for a miracle that would reveal His power and affirm His identity.

Speaking to Martha in her grief, Jesus makes a bold and comforting declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life." In doing so, He shifts the focus away from the timing of events to the truth of who He is. Resurrection is not just something Jesus does; it is who He is. Life itself is found in Him. Death does not have the final word; Jesus does.

Jesus follows with a two-part promise: Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. This is the hope of eternal life for every believer. Physical death is not the end, it is merely the doorway to eternal life with Christ. And then Jesus asks Martha, and by extension us, the ultimate question: "Do you believe this?" This is the question that defines our lives and our eternity.

 

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

We all face moments that feel like Jesus is "late." Prayers seem unanswered. Circumstances appear to worsen. Hope feels distant. Yet, this passage reminds us that Jesus never runs behind schedule. He works on an eternal timetable that is not bound by our understanding of time and importance. His delays are not His denials. Instead, they are often the stage for His greatest miracles.

John 11:25–26 invites us to anchor our faith not in outcomes but in Him. He is the resurrection and the life. Our hope is not in the restoration of earthly things but in the eternal life that He promises. This truth empowers us to walk through grief, disappointment, and even death with confident hope.

And just as Jesus asked Martha, He asks each of us: "Do you believe this?" This is not a rhetorical question. It calls for a personal response. Our belief in Jesus as the resurrection and the life transforms our eternal destiny and how we live today, with courage, assurance, and unshakable faith.

 

Reflective Practice

1. Are there areas in your life where it feels like Jesus is "late"?
2. How can this passage help you shift your focus from outcomes to Jesus Himself?
3. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?

 

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be the resurrection and the life, giving us the hope of eternal life. In moments when life feels uncertain or delayed, help us to trust in who You are. Strengthen our faith to believe that You are never late, always show up at the perfect moment, and always work for Your glory and our good. Teach us to live with confidence in the eternal life You have promised.. In Jesus' name, Amen.