When Jesus received word that His friend Lazarus was sick, He waited two days before going to see him (John 11:1-6). At that point, Jesus knew what He was going to do. He told His disciples that the “sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it” (John 11:4).
However, Lazarus did die. Yet as Jesus indicated, his sickness would not “end in death.” His plan was to “awaken him out of sleep” (John 11:11).
When Jesus returned and met Lazarus’ sister Martha, she made a statement of faith: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Jesus promised that her “brother will rise again” (John 11:23). He then explained, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25).
As the chapter unfolded, Jesus proved that His statement was true. He brought Lazarus back to life, even though he had been dead for four days (John 11:38-44). In raising him from the dead, Jesus proved He had the power to give life to those who die.
So remember that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. If we will believe in Him and follow Him, we can live even if we die. Let us not fear death; but instead, let us be confident that we can have eternal life through Christ.