Sermon: “Do You Believe This?” – A Call to Faith in Christ
As we approach the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we are reminded of the powerful and unifying message of the Gospel. This week, which is observed annually from January 18 to 25, invites Christians around the world to come together in prayer, reflecting on our shared faith in Christ. The theme for this year’s observance, “Do you believe this?”—taken from John 11:17-27—calls each of us to examine the depth and sincerity of our faith in Jesus Christ.
In the midst of our daily struggles, doubts, and uncertainties, the question Jesus asks Martha in John 11—”Do you believe this?”—remains as relevant and powerful as ever. It is not merely a question of intellectual agreement, but of trust, commitment, and a heart transformed by the hope of resurrection and life eternal.
Let’s reflect together on what this question means for us today and how it challenges us to grow in our faith and unity in Christ.
1. The Context: Martha’s Grief and Jesus’ Arrival (John 11:17-22)
In John 11, we encounter Martha, the sister of Lazarus, who has just experienced the devastating loss of her brother. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. This is a moment of intense grief, and many people have gathered to mourn with the sisters.
When Martha hears that Jesus is approaching, she goes out to meet Him. Her words to Jesus, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died,” reflect the anguish and the longing for what could have been. She believes in Jesus’ power—she knows that if Jesus had been there, her brother would have been healed.
Yet even in her sorrow, Martha expresses a faith that is still open to the possibility of God’s intervention. She says, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” This statement of faith, though mixed with grief, shows that Martha’s heart is not closed off to God’s power. She is grieving, yes, but she still trusts in God’s ability to do the impossible.
2. The Promise of Resurrection and Life (John 11:23-26)
In response to Martha’s expression of faith, Jesus makes a profound statement: “Your brother will rise again.” Martha, understanding the Jewish belief in the resurrection at the end of time, replies, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
But Jesus does not simply point her to a future event. He redefines the concept of resurrection by declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus reveals Himself as the source of life—not just the giver of life at the end of time, but the very embodiment of life itself. He is the One who holds the power over death, and in Him, death no longer has the final say.
Then, Jesus asks Martha the crucial question: “Do you believe this?” This is not just a theological question about the resurrection; it is a personal invitation to trust in Him. It is an invitation to believe that He is the source of life, the One who can bring life even in the midst of death, despair, and hopelessness.
Martha’s response is a beautiful declaration of faith: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” In this moment, Martha’s faith is solidified. She acknowledges Jesus as the promised Messiah, the One who has come to bring redemption and eternal life.
3. The Call to Believe in Jesus Today
Jesus’ question to Martha, “Do you believe this?” is just as much for us today as it was for her in that moment. The question is not merely about agreeing with a set of theological facts; it’s about trusting in Jesus as the resurrection and the life. It is a question that challenges our understanding of who Jesus is and calls us to place our complete faith in Him.
In a world filled with uncertainty, loss, and suffering, Jesus offers us hope. He is not a distant figure who merely promises life after death—He is the life-giving Savior who transforms our present reality. The resurrection He offers is not just a future event, but a present reality. He offers us life today, a life filled with His presence, His peace, and His power.
The question “Do you believe this?” asks us to examine our hearts and our lives. Do we trust that Jesus can bring new life where there seems to be death? Do we believe that He is capable of redeeming our brokenness, healing our wounds, and transforming our hearts? Do we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, and the source of eternal life?
4. The Call to Unity in Christ
As we reflect on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we are reminded that this question is not just for individuals—it is a call to the Body of Christ. In a world where division, disagreement, and disunity often overshadow our witness, Jesus invites us to come together in faith, declaring with one voice: “Yes, Lord, we believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
Unity in Christ is rooted in a shared belief in who Jesus is and what He has done. As we affirm our faith in Jesus, we are called to stand together, united in His love and grace, with a commitment to bring His message of hope and life to the world. The question “Do you believe this?” challenges us not only to embrace the hope of resurrection personally but to extend that hope to others and work toward unity in the body of Christ.
Conclusion: A Life Transformed by Belief in Jesus
The question, “Do you believe this?” is a question that requires a response. It is a question that calls us to move beyond intellectual assent to a deep, life-changing trust in Jesus Christ. When we believe in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, our lives are forever transformed. We find hope in the face of despair, peace in the midst of turmoil, and joy in the promise of eternal life.
As we reflect on this question during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, let us examine our own faith. Do we truly believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life? And how can we, as the Body of Christ, come together in unity to proclaim this life-giving truth to the world?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the hope we have in Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life. We believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who has come to bring us eternal life. Help us to place our full trust in You, even in the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties. Strengthen our faith and draw us closer to You each day. As we come together in prayer for Christian unity, help us to be a witness of Your love and truth, working together to share the hope of Jesus with the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
May this question—“Do you believe this?”—echo in your heart today and every day, calling you to a deeper, more vibrant faith in Jesus Christ, the source of all life..