You and I live in a world that downplays absolute truth and rejects the idea that there can be any definitive answers about what happens after we die. For a time, people are content to put off thinking about Jesus’ question, but Jesus will not be ignored and one day we will all face death, so this question is vitally important to all of us. However, when facing questions about death there are many in this world who maintain that it does not matter how you answer Jesus’ question. In fact, many say that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you believe in something. Others will say that what you believe is good for you and what they believe is good for them—to each his own. 

Nonetheless, there are times in life when it becomes clear that Jesus’ question demands an answer. Times that demand knowing the right answer. Times like when you are in lying in the hospital bed not knowing whether or not you will recover from surgery. I recently met a woman who was lying in a hospital bed facing death and when I asked if she knew where she was going if she died, she said, “I hope I am going to heaven.” However, “I hope I am going to heaven” isn’t a good enough answer when we are facing death! We need to be bold in our declaration that we believe Jesus when He said He was the resurrection and the life, when He said He was the “way, the truth, and the life”; because as Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me. “Do you believe this?” 

Jesus made quite a bold claim before He asked that all important question. He said: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” Jesus offers what no one else can. He offers the answer to death. He offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven. He offers a chance to live with Him now and forever. “Do you believe this?” 

Jesus’ good friend Martha knew the answer to that question. Her brother had died, yet she found faith and hope in the words of Jesus. Martha believed in her Lord and trusted in Him. She knew the answer to His question. Do you?