Let us examine the scriptures every day 2025
Sunday March 2, 2025
Didn't I tell you that if you believed you could see the glory of God? (John 11:40).
Jesus looks up to heaven and says a prayer in front of everyone. He wants to give all the credit to Jehovah for what is about to happen. He then shouts: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). And Lazarus comes out of the tomb. Jesus has just done what seemed impossible to some. This story helps us trust more in the hope of the resurrection. Let us remember what Jesus promised Martha: “Your brother will rise” (John 11:23). Like his Father, Jesus is willing and able to fulfill that promise. His tears show that he sincerely desires to eliminate death and the sadness it causes. By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus once again demonstrated that he has the power to bring the dead back to life. Let's also think about what it reminded Marta, as expressed in today's text. We have good reason to believe that God will keep his promise to raise the dead. w23.04 11, 12 paras. 15, 16.
How does the story in John chapter 11 help us to trust more in the hope of the resurrection?
The story in John chapter 11 helps us trust more in the hope of the resurrection. Let us remember what Jesus promised Martha: “Your brother will rise” (John 11:23). Like his Father, Jesus is willing and able to fulfill that promise. His tears show that he sincerely desires to eliminate death and the sadness it causes. By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus once again demonstrated that he has the power to bring the dead back to life. Let us also think about what he reminded Martha: “Didn't I tell you that if you believed you could see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). We have good reason to believe that God will keep his promise to raise the dead. But what can we do to make this hope more real for us?
What should we do when we read the resurrections mentioned in the Bible?
Let us read about the resurrections of the past and meditate on them. In the Bible we find eight stories of people who were resurrected here on Earth.c Could we set the goal of studying each of these stories in depth? As we do so, let's keep in mind that these were real-life people: men, women, and children. Let us look for lessons for ourselves and think about how each example demonstrates that God is willing and able to bring the dead back to life. And, above all, let us meditate on the most important resurrection, that of Jesus. Hundreds of people saw Jesus alive after his death, and this resurrection is a solid foundation for our faith (1 Cor. 15:3-6, 20-22).
How can we take advantage of songs that talk about the resurrection? (See also note).
Let us take advantage of the “spiritual songs” that speak of the resurrection (Eph. 5:19).d These songs strengthen our faith in this hope, making it more real for us. That is why it is good that we listen to them, sing them and talk about what their lyrics teach us in family worship. Let's memorize the songs and engrave their words in our hearts. So when we go through a life-threatening trial or lose a loved one, Jehovah’s spirit will help us remember these songs. This will comfort us and strengthen us.
How can we use our imagination when thinking about the resurrection? (See the box “What questions would you ask?”)
Let's use our imagination. Jehovah has given us the ability to see ourselves in the new world. One sister comments: “I spend so much time imagining myself in the new world that I can almost smell the roses in Paradise.” Let's imagine what it will be like to meet faithful servants from biblical times. Which of them do you most want to meet? What would I ask him? Let's also imagine what the reunion with our loved ones who have died will be like. Think about the first words you will say to them, the big hug you will give them, and the enormous joy you will feel to see them again.
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