Death Is a Problem; Jesus Is the Solution – March 27, 2026
Read: John 11:17-27,38-45
[Jesus said] “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26
Death Is a Problem; Jesus Is the Solution
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
You believe in Jesus, but sometimes we still get sick. We still sit in hospital rooms holding hands. We still hear bad news from doctors. We still say goodbye to people we love. We might wonder: Does God really care? Does he really have the power to help?
In the Bible, Lazarus got very sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha, called for Jesus. But Lazarus died before Jesus came. Jesus knew what was happening. He knew it would break Mary and Martha’s hearts.
But Jesus cared about something even more—more than wanting Lazarus to be well right then—even more than he wanted them to have a life free from pain. He wanted them to have this: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). Jesus wanted them to know him as the Savior from death and sin. He wanted them to see that life with God never ends.
Jesus wants the same for you. He wants you to enjoy your family, friends, and good health. But even more than that, he wants you to know even if you get sick, even if you die, you will live forever with him.
Death is our problem, but Jesus is our solution.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you have defeated sin and death for me. Teach me not to fear the day I die, but to look forward to the eternal life I’ll one day enjoy with you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- When we get sick or sad, who can we trust to help and love us?
- Even when someone we love dies, what does Jesus promise will happen?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do you think Jesus didn’t come right away when Lazarus was sick?
- What does Jesus mean when he says that people who believe in him will live forever?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why might Jesus care more about saving us from death and sin eternally, than from sickness and pain right now?
- How does Jesus being the Resurrection and the Life change the way we face illness, loss, and even death?
