John 11:25-27 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Only a short time before His own death and resurrection, Jesus did a miracle for His good friend Lazarus, and his sisters Mary and Martha.

Lazarus had become sick and died. Jesus didn’t go to him right away, but waited until he died, so He could show this to Lazarus, Mary and Martha. He is the resurrection and the life. He went on to call Lazarus out of the grave. Literally!

This miracle was both a precursor and foreshadowing of what was to come, both physically and spiritually after his own resurrection. When I think of Jesus and all He has done for me, I don’t think about the cross. The cross was a powerful symbol of His death, of what He took upon himself in my place. I am truly grateful for that work He did for me, however, there is something greater He has done.

My favorite part of the story of my salvation was Jesus’ resurrection.

My favorite symbol is the empty tomb.

When I think about Easter, I mostly think about the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus overcame the grave. He overcame death and sin. He set all those who believe in Him free!

It is such a wonderful picture. Not only does it apply to Jesus, but it applies to those who believe in Him. As a Christian, I have been set free from sin. I have been transformed by Him. My life is new and is changed because of Him.

In the verse above, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life…” Jesus resurrects you, pulls you out of the grave. Before Jesus you were in the grave because without Him you were dead in your trespasses (sin) (see Ephesians 2:1-2). When you believe in Jesus, you receive His death, death to sin, your “old self” dies, and you are resurrected to life (see Romans 6:4-11).

In the chapter before Jesus resurrected Lazarus, he declares to His disciples:

John 10:28-30 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

What an awesome God He is! He gives us eternal life, something that cannot be taken away. Even though we die, we live forever with Him!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter with your family and friends!

– Jason