The Power of One Question
Four days. That’s how long Lazarus had been dead when Jesus arrived. For Mary and Martha, hope seemed lost. Their brother was gone, and even Jesus—their friend and teacher—had arrived too late. But in that moment of grief and despair, Jesus asked a question that would change everything, not just for them, but for all of us: “Do you believe this?”
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
In John 11:25-26, Jesus makes one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture:
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet they shall live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
This wasn’t just a comforting word to grieving sisters. This was Jesus revealing His true identity and offering humanity the greatest promise ever made: eternal life through faith in Him.
The Question That Changes Everything
“Do you believe this?”
That question echoed through the centuries from Mary and Martha to us today. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we understand that how we answer this question determines everything about how we live.
Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
If your answer is yes, it changes:
- How you face death and suffering
- How you spend your time and resources
- How you treat other people
- What you prioritize in life
- Where you find your hope
As we recently proclaimed in worship, “I believe!” But believing isn’t just a one-time decision—it’s a daily affirmation, a continual re-commitment to the truth that Jesus is who He says He is.
It’s Not About You—It’s About Who You Know
Here’s the liberating truth: Eternal life isn’t based on what you’ve done, how you perform, or who you have access to. The only thing that matters is who you know—and that is Jesus.
This is radically different from every other religious system. It’s not about:
- Being good enough
- Doing enough religious activities
- Earning your way to heaven
- Having the right connections
It’s simply about knowing Jesus in your heart and making a proclamation for Him in your life. When you do that, you are promised eternal life. And that, friends, is something worth celebrating!
Making the Decision Today
Perhaps you’re reading this and wrestling with that question for the first time: “Do you believe this?” Maybe you’ve heard about Jesus, attended church, or grown up in a Christian home, but you’ve never personally answered His question.
Today can be your day. You can:
- Affirm your faith in Jesus as the resurrection and the life
- Re-commit to following Him wholeheartedly
- Make that decision for the very first time
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to be the change as Jesus has changed us through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. But it all begins with believing that Jesus is who He says He is.
Living in Resurrection Power
When you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, you’re not just securing your eternal future—you’re accessing resurrection power for today. You can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing that death has been defeated and life has won.
Jesus didn’t stay in the tomb, and neither will you. Because He lives, you can face whatever comes your way with hope, courage, and unshakeable faith.
Your Answer Matters
So we return to the question Jesus asked Mary and Martha—and asks you today:
“Do you believe this?”
Your answer changes everything. Not because of who you are, but because of who Jesus is: the resurrection and the life, yesterday, today, and forever.
