Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25–26

Many in our world today live without confidence and faith in Jesus. For them, things like COVID-19 and cancer and all the other ailments of this world are the final word. They live in dread of things that kill the body. But for those who are in Christ, there is a different outlook. We can temper our fears with the knowledge that Christ is risen, and death is not the final word. Jesus gave that assurance to Martha, whose brother Lazarus had died, in the words above.

Oh, by the way, Jesus displayed His power over death and the grave by raising Lazarus right after this. Which had to make His own death even more puzzling for those who had witnessed Him raising Lazarus. How could this happen? We thought He was the real deal! What do we do now? Those were the questions His first followers were asking as they hid in homes trembling with uncertainty and anxiety.

They should have been pondering that question Jesus asked Martha: “Do you believe this?”  And it is a question for us still today. Jesus said He is the Resurrection and the life and all who believe in Him will live even though they die and those with faith in Him will never die. Do you believe this? Jesus has paid for sin. Jesus conquered death. Jesus gives that victory to those who believe. Do you believe this? That is what enables us to face our current circumstances with confidence and certainty. After all, Christ is STILL risen. That makes all the difference.

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54b–57

On the evening of that first Easter, those disciples whose faith had wavered were behind locked doors in fear.

John 20:19b–20 … Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

They watched Him die, but here he was. They were fearful of death, so He showed them the marks of death He bore in His body on the cross. And yet here He was. Alive. With them. Offering them peace. And their fear was changed into rejoicing.

You may be dealing with some sadness today. Your eyes may be downcast because of whatever you are facing in your life. But no matter who you are or what your circumstances may be on this day, Jesus comes to you and says, “Peace be with you.” The peace that was announced by the angels as His birth is what He has accomplished and now gives to you.  It is with you because Jesus earned it for you with His perfect life, His death for your sins, and his triumph over death and the grave for you.

If Easter were simply about a bunny, we would still be hiding out in fear. But Easter is all about the Lamb. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Lamb who was slain, who has now begun His reign. He rose. That is still true and that is our confidence. He is risen!  He is risen indeed, Allleluia!