For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants. John 5:21

 

In the emergency room of a hospital, an entire team works rapidly with everything medical science can bring, passionately trying to save a life.

Then, the room slowly quiets, and the emergency physician calls out, “Time of death 1:10 am.” Even with matchless skill and resources, when life has gone, we stand powerless to bring it back. Religion may make us feel more comforted in this life, but only one religious leader ever claimed to have power over death.  His name is Jesus.

Jesus made many claims about Himself—for one, He claimed to be the Giver of Life, saying, “…just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants” (John 5:21). Jesus actually gave life back to a friend of his who had died. Jesus assured the dead man’s sister, “Your brother will rise again,” and He didn’t mean in an afterlife (John 11:23). Arriving at the man’s tomb, Jesus ordered the tomb opened and called his friend to come out, and out He came, wrapped in grave clothes and very much alive (John 11:38-44).

The life that Jesus gives isn’t just a physical one. He knows that you need things like food, shelter and clothing—He said “…your heavenly Father already knows all your needs” (Matthew 6:32). Jesus came to earth because we need more than a physical existence. He offers you something He called an “abundant life.” “I came.” He said, “that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b). The abundant life of following Jesus is one lived with His presence, meaning and peace that looks far beyond today.

Are you simply existing today? You can meet Jesus, Giver of Life right now.