Daily Devotional Friday | April 17, 2026
Happy Friday! In today’s daily devotional, Jesus’ fifth “I AM” statement is powerful and literally life-giving. When it seemed death had swallowed up another person, Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” Death was undefeatable before Jesus proved He had authority over it. In today’s daily devotional, Jesus is your resurrection and your life.
Lazarus is Sick
After declaring Himself to be the Good Shepherd, the Pharisees sought to kill Jesus; therefore, He dwelt beyond Jordan. John 11:1 introduces Lazarus, a dear friend and disciple of Jesus, and his sisters, Mary and Martha. His sisters sent Jesus a message telling Him that Lazarus was sick. Upon receiving the message, Jesus tells His disciples that Lazarus’ sickness isn’t unto death but is for God’s glory. In your daily devotional, when you walk with Jesus, you must have faith that what seems impossible to man is possible with God.
Lazarus is Dead
After waiting two days, Jesus gathers His disciples to head to Judea. They remind Jesus that the last time they were there, the Jews tried to stone Him. Unmoved, He says that Lazarus is asleep, and He will go and awaken him. The disciples think that if he’s resting, everything’s fine. Failing to see Jesus speaks in spiritual terms, He plainly says, “Lazarus is dead.” In this daily devotional, know that when you think spiritually, you think on a higher realm and believe in the miraculous.
A Test of Faith
Jesus knew Lazarus would die, but He was testing their faith. Having been with Jesus for three years, the disciples witnessed miracles, healings, signs, and wonders. They’d even seen Jesus raise the dead, but their faith was still lacking. He tells them, “I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe.” Had Jesus been there, He would’ve healed Lazarus, and the miracle that was about to take place wouldn’t have happened. In your daily devotional, believe that Jesus can do all things before you see the miracle.
I Am The Resurrection
In verse 21, when they arrive at Bethany, Martha meets Jesus and says, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” Jesus tells her, “Thy brother shall rise again.” However, she thinks He’s referring to the end-time resurrection. In verse 25, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” When Jesus asks if she believes, she affirms that He is Christ, the Son of God. Afterwards, she calls Mary, who arrives and falls at His feet, saying the same thing Martha said — if He’d been there, Lazarus wouldn’t have died. In this daily devotional, believe that no situation is too hard for Him.
Lazarus Come Forth
Jesus weeps for their unbelief. After approaching the cave, He tells them to remove the stone. Martha protests that Lazarus has been dead for four days and now stinks, but it shows she still thinks naturally, as does everyone else. In verse 40, Jesus responds, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” After praying, Jesus cries loudly, “Lazarus, come forth.” In your daily devotional, don’t let unbelief bind you. There is nothing He can’t do.
Jesus is Your Resurrection and Life
In Friday’s daily devotional, Lazarus came out of the tomb alive, but bound in his grave clothes, and Jesus instructed them to “Loose him, and let him go.” Be set free by believing that Jesus is who He says He is. In today’s daily devotional, death is no challenge for Jesus, for He is the Resurrection and the Life!
