John 11:25-26 Do You Believe This?
Their brother, Lazarus, was sick. So, Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus:
John 11:3 “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
God loves the whole world. Grace levels the field. Nobody is more or less deserving. And yet, Jesus also had a deep, personal bond with certain friends.
Jesus, Savior, Lord, and Friend
Think about it: Jesus had an inner circle–Peter, James, and John. Four times, John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Here, Lazarus is referred to as “the one whom Jesus loves.”
Why these special relationships? Because Jesus values friendship. He delights in open hearts, mutual trust, understanding, and love.
This isn’t favoritism; it’s friendship. And it’s an invitation for us. Jesus doesn’t only want to save you; He wants to befriend you. He wants you to value His word. He wants mutual trust, humility, honesty, and love. In Christ, you are fully loved, entirely accepted, and always welcomed into more.
So, the news is brought to Jesus that his friend’s health is failing.
Jesus delayed (John 11:6). It seemed like neglect, but it was love at work (11:5). Even when we’re waiting on Jesus, even when it feels like He’s late, we can trust that His timing is perfect. He’s deepening our relationship with Him, increasing our understanding and awe of His glory (11:4).
The Gospel: A Promise to Believe
When Jesus finally arrived, Martha, though grieving, still held onto her faith:
John 11:21 Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
Jesus tells her,
John 11:25-26 “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
He wasn’t just talking about a future event; He was revealing Himself as the source of resurrection and eternal life. So, when Jesus asks, “Do you believe this?” He’s not just asking if you believe in the doctrine of resurrection. He’s asking if you believe in Him for eternal life.
Jesus makes incredible promises: that whoever believes in Him will live, even if they die, and that whoever lives and believes in Him will never die. He offers everlasting life in God’s favor, as His child, in His love–starting now. And what’s the condition? Belief. Trust. Taking Him at His word.
He offers everlasting life in God’s favor, as His child, in His love–starting now. And what’s the condition? Belief. Trust. Taking Him at His word.
John 5:24 He who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
Do you believe this?
What Does It Mean to Believe?
The Gospel of John was written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have eternal life in His name. To believe that Jesus is the Christ is to trust Him for eternal life.
Some argue that faith in Jesus isn’t enough, for even “the demons believe that God is one and shudder” (James 2:19). But that’s no argument. God doesn’t promise eternal life to demons, nor to anyone who simply believes that God is one, God is true, or God exists. Besides, Jesus didn’t become a demon to pay for their sins. He became a man, paid for our sins, and promises eternal life to whosoever believes.
Jesus didn’t become a demon to pay for their sins. He became a man, paid for our sins, and promises eternal life to whosoever believes.
This isn’t just about believing basic facts about God. It’s about believing that Jesus gives you eternal life. It’s about trusting Jesus to do what He promises.
Eternal Life and Daily Life
This question isn’t just for salvation. Jesus makes many other great promises. And His question always remains: Do you believe Me?
Depression whispers, “You’re worthless.” The Father says, “You are worth My Son to Me?” “You are My future inheritance.” Do you believe this?
To those fighting despair, Jesus says, He’s “near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18). Do you believe this?
Not just for eternal life after death, but you can trust Him to bring you through every struggle (depression, fear, aging, marital woes) right now.
To those struggling to be better Christians, to be good enough for God, good enough, Jesus says, “It is finished.” Do you believe Him? He says,
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…” Do you believe Him?
To those who fear aging or dying alone, God says, “Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you” (Isa. 46:4). Do you believe this?
For those whose challenges are too difficult, you can’t produce what life requires of you. Jesus promises, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Do you believe Him?
Not—are you strong enough? Not—have you figured everything out? But—Do you believe this? Do you take Him at His word, trusting His promise?
Sharing The Gospel
Interestingly, Jesus didn’t give a “Gospel Invitation” in the way we often think of it. He never once led a person in a “sinner’s prayer.” Instead, He declared that He is the Christ, who guarantees eternal life to those who believe His promise.
Remember, the Gospel isn’t something someone must do; it’s good news for them to believe–it’s God’s promise to trust. So, instead of asking people to make a commitment or say a prayer, tell them Jesus Christ forgives their sins and grants eternal life freely to those who trust Him. Then ask, “Do you believe this? Do you trust Jesus to give you eternal life?”
That’s the invitation. Do you believe?