Jesus is More than a Character on a Page - Do You Believe This?

I stood, waiting my turn at the base of the small wooden bridge set before me. It was a symbolic “crossing over” from childhood to adolescence. I had completed the children’s program and was headed for the next phase of church life – youth group. I wore my sash proudly, displaying all the badges I’d earned over the last six years. I was poised and ready to recite the verse I had chosen to memorize as part of the ceremony. My twelve-year-old “life verse.”

When it was my turn, I stepped forward and walked to the middle of the bridge. I turned and spoke confidently into the microphone:

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”

I chose that verse for a few reasons. For one, I liked the fact that Jesus was talking to a woman, “Jesus said to her.” It made it more personal for me. Second, the gospel message – the good news about Jesus – is contained in that short, little verse and it felt important to have it memorized. And finally, something deep inside me resonated with the question, “Do you believe this?” Even at a young age I was a skeptic, a thinker, and at times, a doubter.

I finished the verse and crossed to the other side, where the youth group was waiting to embrace me. The moment symbolized growth, acceptance, maturity, and transition. Despite the gravity of the occasion, I had no idea that simple question would become a resounding gong in my life.

“Do you believe this?”

Jesus was speaking to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, after Lazarus had died. She was in pain and though she wanted to have faith – to believe Jesus was who he said he was – the reality of death was enveloping, and she couldn’t help but doubt. This is the same Martha who gets a bad rap for hustling about doing household chores the last time Jesus came to town. This time, when she hears he is on his way, she drops everything and goes out to meet him. The conversation between Jesus and Martha on the road is so interesting.

Martha’s first comment is almost accusatory. “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Where were you Jesus? What was more important than this? Why didn’t you stop this from happening?

Then she expresses a hint of faith. “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” It’s not too late Jesus! There is still hope, right?

When Jesus tells her that Lazarus will rise again, she assumes he is reminding her of the hope of the future. Martha knew the Scriptures. She had heard the prophetic voices declare there was hope for a future resurrection. She interpreted Jesus’ words in familiarity, not the extraordinary. Martha’s faith in Jesus for the present moment was clouded by her understanding of Him for the future.

At the next predetermined “crossing over” point in my life – from high school to college – I found myself in a similar place. I had grown up in the church. I was a pastor’s kid. For me that meant being in the building every time the doors were open. It meant volunteering with the kids, singing in the praise team, and even preaching a time or two. It meant knowing the Sunday school answers.

Somewhere along the way I lost belief in the space between what the Bible taught about the past and the future. I failed to see the hope of Jesus for the present.

I think Jesus’ question that day held a hint of disappointment. The people he loved still didn’t get it. The belief Jesus was talking about was not mere cognitive knowledge – Martha had that. It’s as if he takes Martha’s hand, meets her gaze, and whispers: “Do you know me?”

Have you not seen the miracles? Have you not heard my voice and looked into my eyes? Are they not full of love? Do you know me, Martha?

Jesus is more than a character on a page.

Sometimes we lose sight of who He is in all that we know about Him. I am so grateful for the hope of eternity I have in Jesus. But sometimes I forget that hope starts now.

Do you believe this?