TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:25-27
Read: John 11:20-27
Listen: John 11
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Martha is eager to meet Jesus and goes out to see him as he arrives. Martha and Mary are Jesus’s friends and followers. Now Jesus is helping them see more of who he is. As they talk, Jesus says he is the resurrection and the life. This foreshadows the life and resurrection Jesus brings to Lazarus, but it is more than that. Jesus is life and resurrection—and he promises life and resurrection to all who believe and follow him. Then Jesus asks Martha, “Do you believe this?”—the fundamental question of the Christian faith. Her response shows that she knows exactly who Jesus is and even expounds. She says he is the Messiah, the Son of God and the One who is to come into the world.
This weekend, Pastor Jeff Manion talked about a conversation that took place between pastors Tim Keller and John Dickson. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff shares that conversation. Pastor Tim believes that an early step in coming to faith is asking the simple question, “Do you want it to be true?” Do you want it to be true that there will be no tears, that all wrongs will be righted and that all that is lost and broken will be restored? Wanting it to be true doesn’t mean it is, but it might give the motivation to look into the evidence.
We each have to answer the fundamental question: Do we believe this? Do we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, sent to save the world? Do we believe he died on the cross to pay for our sin and provide a way into a right relationship with God once again? Do we believe he is raised from the dead and invites us to experience resurrection and life alongside him? Do we believe and trust him?
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider your answer to “Do you believe this?”—the fundamental question of the Christian faith. If you have never decided to follow him, choose today to believe and follow him. Pray something like this, “God, I know I have sinned and broken our relationship. I am sorry. Please forgive me and help me to honor you with my life. I believe in your son Jesus Christ and give my life to you. Amen.” If you prayed that prayer for the first time or would like to talk, please contact us at btw@adabible.org.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
PHILIPPIANS 4:5b–7
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
