Be Still and Experience New Life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” — John 11:25  

Opening Journal Prompt  

When have you felt like something in your life was ‘dead’—a dream, a relationship, a sense of purpose—and then saw signs of new life? 

Ice Breaker (Group Setting):  

If you could resurrect one thing from your childhood—a toy, a tradition, a moment—what would it be and why?

Reflection  

In our reading tonight from John’s Gospel, Lazarus has died, and when Jesus arrives in Bethany, Martha goes out to meet Him. She expresses her grief and faith, saying that if Jesus had been there, her brother wouldn’t have died, but she still believes God will give Jesus whatever He asks.  Jesus responds to Martha with the powerful declaration:  

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”  

Jesus speaks these words to Martha in the shadow of her brother Lazarus’s death. Her grief is raw, her faith shaken. Yet Jesus doesn’t offer platitudes—He offers Himself. “I am the resurrection and the life.” Not just a future hope, but a present reality.  

This verse reminds us that resurrection isn’t confined to Easter morning or the end of time. It’s woven into our everyday lives. Jesus brings life where we see only endings. He meets us in our grief, our doubts, our waiting—and breathes new life into what we thought was lost.  This moment is deeply personal—Jesus isn’t just teaching theology; He’s speaking directly into Martha’s sorrow, offering her hope not just for Lazarus, but for all who believe. It’s one of the most intimate and profound exchanges in the Gospel writings.  

In the same way, we are invited to have faith. We do not have to fear death any longer because Jesus has already conquered the grave!  When we are still before God, we discover sacred space to encounter the risen Christ.  At the foot of the cross and then at the empty tomb, we awaken to new life and find hope in him.

Because Jesus has conquered death, he now goes before us to make room in God’s house where there are many rooms (John 14:2-5). Jesus is the first fruit of the resurrection – the first to rise from the dead into eternal life, and we will follow him just as Lazarus was called forth from the grave – first in life and then in death.

Several years ago, I was helping lead a youth retreat and one of the teens shared with me that they felt ‘invisible’—like their voice didn’t matter. So, the youth leaders and several of the other youth gathered around, prayed, and spoke truth over them. 

Later that weekend, this youth who once felt invisible led a prayer that moved the whole group to tears. It was a resurrection moment! Jesus didn’t just restore their confidence—He revealed their calling. That’s what He does: Jesus brings life where we least expect it.  

He did it for Lazarus quite literally, and he does it for us too.    

Read:  John 11:17 - 37

Jesus arrives in Bethany and comforts the sisters of Lazarus who just died.  Jesus is deeply moved by their sorrow—even weeping—before approaching the tomb.

Digging Deeper Questions  

Application Questions 

Closing Prayer  

Jesus, Resurrection and Life, we come to You with hearts that carry both joy and sorrow. Thank You for meeting us in our grief, our questions, our longing. Breathe new life into the places we’ve given up on. Help us to believe—not just in Your power, but in Your presence. May we live today in the light of Your promise and walk forward with hope that death never has the final word. Amen.