Jesus: The Resurrection and Life in Our Struggles

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Brings Dead Things to Life

Jesus is not only able to bring physical life where there is death, but He is the very source of resurrection and life itself. In every situation that seems hopeless, final, or beyond repair, Jesus has the authority and power to speak life and restoration. Whether it is a broken relationship, a lost dream, or a barren season, nothing is too far gone for Him. He demonstrated this truth by raising Lazarus from the dead, showing that His power is not limited by time, circumstance, or even death itself. Today, you are invited to bring whatever feels dead in your life before Jesus, trusting that He is able to breathe new life into it. [01:19:42]

John 11:25-26 (ESV)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels hopeless or “dead” right now? Will you bring it honestly before Jesus today and ask Him to speak His resurrection life into it?

Day 2: Jesus is the Light in Darkness

Jesus distinguishes between walking in the light of His presence and stumbling in the darkness apart from Him. When we walk with Jesus, even the most intimidating or grave situations lose their power to overwhelm us, because His light brings clarity, hope, and direction. The world may be filled with confusion, despair, and death, but in Christ, we are given the assurance that darkness cannot overcome us. No matter what you face, if you are walking with Jesus, you are walking in the light, and death has no ultimate power over your outcome. [01:22:29]

John 11:9-10 (ESV)
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

Reflection: Where do you sense confusion or fear in your life? How can you intentionally invite Jesus’ light into that situation today?

Day 3: Resurrection is Not an Event, But a Person

Resurrection is not merely a future event to anticipate, but a present reality found in the person of Jesus. Eternal life begins the moment you believe in Him, not just at some distant future date. Jesus makes resurrection personal and present, offering Himself as the source of life now and forever. Your hope is not in a distant promise, but in a living Savior who is with you today. Embrace the truth that your new life starts the moment you trust in Him, and let that assurance shape how you live each day. [01:25:57]

John 11:25-27 (ESV)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Reflection: How does knowing that resurrection life is found in Jesus Himself—not just in a future event—change the way you approach your daily life and challenges?

Day 4: Jesus Has Authority Over Both Physical and Spiritual Death

Jesus demonstrated His authority by raising Lazarus from the grave, showing that He has power over physical death. But the miracle points to a deeper truth: without Jesus, we are all spiritually dead in our sins. At His word, we are raised to new life, forgiven, and made alive in Him. This is not just a story about Lazarus, but about every person who trusts in Christ. Jesus’ victory over death at the cross means that both our bodies and our spirits are secure in Him, and we can live with confidence in His saving power. [01:30:31]

Ephesians 2:4-6 (ESV)
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced Jesus’ power to bring spiritual life where there was once spiritual death? Who in your life needs to hear this hope from you?

Day 5: Bring Every Challenge to Jesus, the Source of Life

With Christ, there is always hope, light, and resurrection—even in the face of suffering, sickness, or death. Jesus invites you to bring every challenge, struggle, or circumstance to Him, trusting that He is present and able to meet your need. Whether you are facing a health issue, a difficult relationship, or a personal struggle, do not attempt to handle it alone. Jesus is the fullness of life, and He desires to speak resurrection and hope into every part of your journey. Let Him be your provider and sustainer today. [01:39:30]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one specific challenge or burden you have been carrying on your own? Will you take a moment now to bring it directly to Jesus in prayer, trusting Him to be your life and provider?

Sermon Summary

Today, we journeyed through the powerful story of Lazarus in John 11, exploring the miracle where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This account is not just a historical event, but a living revelation of who Jesus is: the resurrection and the life. The story is woven with both natural and spiritual truths, showing us that Jesus holds authority over both physical death and spiritual death. As we read the entire passage, we saw the deep love Jesus had for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and how He entered into their grief, even weeping with them. Yet, He also brought hope and life into a situation that seemed utterly hopeless.

Jesus’ words, “I am the resurrection and the life,” are not just a promise for the distant future, but a present reality for all who believe. Resurrection is not merely an event to look forward to; it is found in the person of Jesus Himself. Eternal life begins the moment we believe in Him, not just at the end of our earthly journey. The miracle of Lazarus points us to the greater truth that, without Christ, we are all dead in our sins, but at His word, we are raised to new life.

We also reflected on the interplay between the natural and spiritual realms throughout this story. Jesus moves seamlessly between addressing physical needs and revealing spiritual realities. He demonstrates that light and life are found in Him, while darkness and death are the result of separation from Him. Even in the most hopeless situations—whether a grave, a broken relationship, or a lost dream—Jesus invites us to bring our needs to Him, trusting that He can speak resurrection life into every circumstance.

Finally, we were challenged to respond personally: Do we believe this? Are we willing to bring our dead places—our struggles, our pain, our lost hopes—before the One who is life itself? And for those who have never made a decision to follow Jesus, the invitation remains open: to receive forgiveness, salvation, and the fullness of life that only He can give.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus is the Light in Darkness Jesus’ response to the disciples about walking in the day versus the night reveals a profound truth: walking with Him brings clarity, purpose, and safety, even in the midst of danger or uncertainty. The light of Christ dispels confusion and fear, and when we walk in His light, even graveyard situations lose their power to define the outcome. The contrast between light and darkness is not just about physical safety, but about living in the reality of God’s kingdom versus the world’s despair. [82:29]
2. Resurrection is Not an Event, but a Person When Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” He shifts our focus from a distant hope to a present relationship. Resurrection is not locked away in the future; it is available now in Jesus. Eternal life begins the moment we believe, and our hope is anchored not in a date, but in the living Christ who is with us today. [85:57]
3. Jesus Demonstrates Authority Over Death—Both Physical and Spiritual The raising of Lazarus is a sign that points beyond itself: Jesus has power over physical death, but also over the spiritual death caused by sin. His miracles are not just displays of power, but revelations of His mission to conquer sin, sickness, and death itself. The story of Lazarus is a picture of what Jesus wants to do for each of us—raise us from spiritual death into new life. [90:31]
4. The Interwoven Realities of Natural and Spiritual Life Throughout the story, Jesus moves between addressing physical needs and revealing spiritual truths, showing that these realities are deeply connected. Our experiences of loss, grief, and even death are not separate from our spiritual journey; in Christ, both are met with His life-giving power. The fullness of life He offers is not just for the soul, but for every part of our existence. [96:14]
5. The Invitation to Bring Our Dead Places to Jesus No matter what seems dead in our lives—relationships, dreams, health, or hope—Jesus invites us to bring these before Him. He is present by His Spirit, ready to speak life and resurrection into our circumstances. The question remains: do we believe this, and will we trust Him with our deepest needs, allowing Him to be our life and our resurrection today? [99:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[66:04] - Youth Extreme Camp Prayer Initiative
[68:49] - Reading John 11: The Story of Lazarus
[70:44] - Jesus’ Response to Lazarus’ Death
[72:39] - Martha’s Faith and Jesus’ Declaration
[73:55] - The Miracle: Lazarus Raised
[75:36] - Testimonies of Resurrection Power
[77:08] - Scriptural Command: Raise the Dead
[78:18] - Jesus’ Authority Over Sin and Death
[79:42] - Jesus Brings Dead Things to Life
[80:51] - Jesus: Light in Darkness
[82:29] - Two Kingdoms: Light and Darkness
[83:44] - Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life
[86:58] - Eternal Life Begins Now
[88:05] - Jesus Demonstrates Power Over Death
[90:31] - Spiritual and Physical Resurrection
[92:13] - Embracing Both Natural and Spiritual Truths
[93:23] - Personal Story: The Reality of Resurrection
[96:14] - The Invitation: Do You Believe?
[99:30] - Responding in Faith and Prayer
[101:04] - Prayer for Resurrection Life
[105:35] - Closing Blessing and Fellowship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 11:1-44 (ESV) — (Read the full story together as a group, or assign sections to different readers.)

Observation Questions

What are some ways Jesus shows His love and care for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in this story? ([01:12:39])
When Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick, what does He do, and how do the disciples react to His decision to return to Judea? ([01:08:49])
What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life”? How does Martha respond to this statement? ([01:25:57])
What is the significance of Jesus weeping at Lazarus’ tomb, even though He knows He will raise Lazarus? ([01:13:55])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus waited two days before going to see Lazarus, even though He loved him and his sisters? What does this tell us about God’s timing? ([01:08:49])
The sermon says, “Resurrection is not an event, but a person.” What does it mean for eternal life to begin now, not just in the future? ([01:25:57])
The story weaves together natural and spiritual realities. How does Jesus address both physical needs (like death and grief) and spiritual truths (like faith and eternal life) in this passage? ([01:36:14])
Jesus asks Martha, “Do you believe this?” Why is this question so important, and how does it challenge us today? ([01:36:14])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “Jesus is the light in darkness.” Are there areas in your life right now that feel dark, confusing, or hopeless? What would it look like to invite Jesus’ light into those places? ([01:22:29])
Jesus invites us to bring our “dead places” to Him—things that seem beyond hope, like broken relationships, lost dreams, or struggles with sin. Is there something in your life that feels dead or stuck? What would it mean to bring that to Jesus this week? ([01:39:30])
The story shows Jesus entering into the grief of Mary and Martha, even weeping with them. How does knowing that Jesus cares about your pain and grief change the way you approach Him in prayer? ([01:13:55])
The sermon challenges us to see resurrection life as a present reality, not just a future hope. How can you live more fully in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection power today? Are there specific habits or attitudes you want to change? ([01:26:58])
Jesus demonstrates authority over both physical and spiritual death. Are there areas where you need to trust Jesus’ authority more—maybe in your health, your family, or your spiritual life? What step of faith could you take this week? ([01:30:31])
The question “Do you believe this?” is personal. If you have never made a decision to follow Jesus, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you encourage someone else to take that step? ([01:36:14])
The sermon mentions that eternal life starts the moment we believe. How does this truth affect the way you see your daily life, your struggles, and your future? ([01:26:58])

Sermon Clips

We have the kingdom of God, who is light and life and a resurrection. And we have the kingdoms of this world, that is darkness, death, and despair. What we can pick up here, we can pick up in something to apply, is that if Jesus is in your life, then even when you walk into what might be a graveyard type situation, and you are still walking in the light, then death has no power over the outcome. [01:22:38] (36 seconds) #PresentAndPersonalResurrection

If Jesus is in your life, then even when you walk into what might be a graveyard type situation, and you are still walking in the light, then death has no power over the outcome. Death has no power over the outcome. [01:22:57] (22 seconds) #KingdomsInConflict

Jesus doesn't say, I'm going to bring resurrection. His resurrection in a suitcase. I'm going to bring it and here it is. How he says, I am the very resurrection and the life. I am. It's not an event. Resurrection is not an event. It's a person and his name is Jesus. [01:26:14] (33 seconds) #ResurrectionInJesus

Maybe today there's a need in your life that you can bring before Jesus and raise a natural situation. Something in your life that perhaps seems dead and needs the breath of life upon it, and it could range from the severity of broken relationships and broken marriages to a lost dream or to a barren season. Maybe today you need to receive the spiritual life that is only found in Jesus, and that Jesus can give you, and it's called salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. [01:37:17] (43 seconds) #JesusIsLife

Because Jesus didn't just bring life, He is life. I am. Again, just another little couple of words in the midst of the fullness of that passage, Jesus says, I am. [01:38:01] (16 seconds) #LifeWithoutJesusIsSilly

If you've never made a conscious decision to make Jesus Christ as your Lord and your Saviour, it's just a few small little words. The Scripture says, If we believe in our heart and confess with our mouth that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God and we make Him Lord, your Spirit is rebirthed. You are born again. You are born of the Spirit and you enter into the family of God. [01:40:09] (35 seconds)

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