When Mary and Martha were faced with the death of their brother, Lazarus, as recorded in John 11, they were filled with questions about what seemed to be Jesus’ lack of concern. But in the midst of their questions, Jesus Himself poses a question: “Do you believe?” He was asking if they believed in the power that could cause their brother to live again.

After Jesus told Martha, “Your brother will rise again,” Martha offered a theological response. Yes, Lazarus will rise again in the great future resurrection. Theologically, she nailed the answer. She was absolutely correct in her doctrine. But she missed the fact that Jesus’ question was not just about believing in an idea, but believing in a Person.

It’s easier for us to believe all the right things about Jesus than to believe Him.

It’s easier for us to believe all the right things about Jesus than to believe Him. For all the information you’ve learned about God is designed for one purpose—to lead you to believe in the God about whom you’ve gathered all this data. Honestly, we are much less in need of more data or information than we are in need of an experience of the God to whom it points.

All of the Bible reading you do, and all of the theology that you ponder, is designed for this central purpose: to bring you into a relationship with Him. 

So, the question is: Do you know about Him . . . or do you know Him?

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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