Do You Believe Me?
Text: John 11:21–28
Theme: A faith that evolves—past, present, and future.
Focus: Martha’s journey from limited faith to full confession.
Introduction:
Grief often reveals what we truly believe. When Jesus delays… when prayers go unanswered… when death comes… we’re confronted with the same question Jesus asked Martha:
“Do you believe this?” – John 11:26
This isn’t just about Lazarus. It’s about your past regrets, your present faith, and your future hope.
1. Martha’s Faith Over Her Past – Limited by What Could Have Been
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” – John 11:21
- Her faith is genuine, but it’s confined to a moment that’s already gone.
- She believes Jesus could have prevented the loss, but not that He can reverse it.
Life Application:
Are you limiting your faith to “what could have been”? Are you stuck in “if only”? Jesus wants to move you from regret to resurrection.
2. Martha’s Faith Over Her Present – Fundamental and Growing
“But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” – John 11:22
- Martha doesn’t demand—she opens the door to what’s possible “even now.”
- This is active trust in Jesus’ present identity and relationship with the Father.
“I am the resurrection and the life.” – John 11:25
Life Application:
Jesus doesn’t just offer resurrection—He is resurrection. Don’t wait for the miracle. Rest in the presence of the Miracle Worker.
3. Martha’s Faith Over Her Future – Unlimited and Confessed
“Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” – John 11:27
- This is one of the clearest Christological confessions in all of Scripture.
- Her faith moves beyond loss into Lordship.
Life Application:
Unlimited faith doesn’t mean full understanding—it means full trust in who Jesus is. Your confession can move the heart of God.
Sermon Recap: Three Dimensions of Faith
- Faith Over Her Past: Let go of “if only.”
- Faith Over Her Present: Believe Jesus is enough right now.
- Faith Over Her Future: Declare who Jesus truly is.
Conclusion – Jesus Still Asks: “Do You Believe Me?”
Jesus didn’t just ask Martha. He asks you today:
“Do you believe this?”
Do you believe He can redeem your past?
Do you believe He’s present in your pain?
Do you believe He holds your future?
Like Martha, you may begin with a trembling heart—but Jesus will grow your faith. From “if only” to “even now,” and finally to “Yes, Lord… I believe.”
Reflection Questions for Teaching:
- How have your past disappointments shaped your faith?
- What does it mean to trust Jesus right now as the resurrection and the life?
- How can your confession of faith grow even in grief?
- Have you answered Jesus’ question: “Do you believe this?”