John chapter 11 is the story of the death and Resurrection of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. This chapter reveals Jesus’ sovereignty in that He waited to go to Lazarus, knowing He would raise him from the dead. This chapter reveals Jesus’ devotion in that even when Mary and Martha questioned His late arrival, He responded with love and not condemnation for their lack of faith. In 11:25, Jesus reveals His plans for His people. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” When He says that He is the Resurrection, He is describing a physical resurrection. In Him, we will have a resurrected body and experience eternal life. When He says, “I am the life” He is describing a permanent relationship with Him that cannot be separated by death, our own sin, or our lack of faith. God’s plan to ransom His people through the Cross and enter into relationship with them is far greater than the earthly rule the people of the time expected. In verse 26, Jesus asked Martha, as He asks you, to enter into His plan with one question, “Do you believe this?” How would you respond?

• Have you ever asked God for something specific only to find His plan was better than yours?
• Do you have more faith in yourself than you do in God?