Day 21: The Resurrection and the Life
Bible passage: John 11:17–44; Matthew 28:1–10
The Last Day of the Fast
Today is Thursday 21st of January 2021. Welcome to Day 21, the final day of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Well done for finishing. We have spent this week at the cross. We end at the empty tomb.
I Am
Four Days Too Late
When Jesus arrives in Bethany, His friend Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days. Martha comes out to meet Him and says that if only He had been there, her brother would not have died (John 11:21).
Martha believes that her brother will rise again at the last day. Jesus brings that hope out of the distant future and into the present. “I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25 (NLT)
Anyone who believes in Him, He says, will live, even after dying. Then He asks her a question: does she believe this (John 11:26)? Resurrection is more than an event at the end of time. It is a Person, and He was standing in front of her.
He Proved It
Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb that day. Not long afterwards He walked out of His own. Matthew tells us that an angel rolled the stone away and told the women that Jesus was not there. He had risen from the dead, as He said He would (Matthew 28:6).
He had told them plainly beforehand that He would be killed and raised on the third day (Matthew 16:21). He kept His word.
What the Empty Tomb Means
Jesus is who He said He is. He was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead (Romans 1:4).
His promises can be trusted. He kept the hardest promise of all. Every one of God’s promises finds its “Yes” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Death is not the end. Because He lives, we have a hope that will not lead to disappointment (Romans 5:5).
New life starts now. God promised to give His people a new heart and to put a new spirit within them (Ezekiel 36:26). The power that raised Jesus is at work in those who believe.
Go and Tell
Fear and Great Joy
The women ran from the tomb, frightened and yet filled with great joy, and Jesus met them on the way. He told them not to be afraid, and to go and tell His brothers (Matthew 28:8–10).
Later He gave all His followers their commission. All authority in heaven and on earth is His. We are to go and make disciples of all nations, and He is with us always (Matthew 28:18–20).
Three Steps for Today
Answer the question. Jesus asked Martha whether she believed. Tell Him plainly today that you do.
Look back. Write down what God has done in you over these 21 days, so that you do not forget it.
Tell someone. Share one thing God has shown you with a friend or a member of your family.
There is one more guide to come tomorrow, on how to keep going from Day 22 and beyond.
Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life, and I believe in You. Thank You for walking with me through these 21 days. Thank You that the tomb is empty and that death does not have the last word. Seal what You have done in me. Give me boldness to tell others that You are alive. You are my risen, reigning Lord, and I praise Your name. Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
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