Jesus Promises Eternal Life

Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 
 
John 11:21-27 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
 
LET’S learn from Martha. First, we see in both passages she models an eagerness to approach Jesus. When Jesus encounters you, you must invite Jesus into your home – into your life. When you desire to know the truth, go to Jesus. When you are distressed or grieving, go to Jesus.
   Second, we learn how to adjust to Jesus’ presence. After inviting Jesus to, “Come in.” Martha missed the reason for Jesus being in her home. While Mary mediated on Jesus’ teachings, Martha did the chores. Jesus corrected her. “Only one thing is needed,” he said. Faith in his Word is the substance of life. She should stop and spend some time with Jesus, so she will develop a sure faith in him. The chores will get done.
   Third, it is evident Martha listened to her Lord. When Jesus arrived after Lazarus’ death, Martha confessed a complete faith in all who Jesus is, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” She believed Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies as he had taught. Seldom was such a faith spoken in Israel. As she grieved her brother’s death, she rejoiced in the future hope of glory for all who are faithful to the Christ.
   When Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life.” he confirmed eternal life is in him. I AM spoke to Martha as he had spoken to Moses in Exodus 3:6 “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” Jesus confirms who he is and the reason for his coming. Jesus promised resurrection of the body is sure for all who believe in him. That day at Bethany, he demonstrated he is resurrection when he called Lazarus to life.
   Martha’s life and confession have taught us to invite Jesus into our lives. Then we must be quiet to take time to listen to him. When we listen to the Lord’s promises and watch what he is doing, we will confess he is the Lord, the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world. When you are in Christ, you are resurrected into eternal life.