Do You Believe?

by Annie Yorty

A pivotal question for every person came from the mouth of Jesus on the day He brought His friend, Lazarus, back to life. “Do you believe?”

In the account of Lazarus, we see how Jesus cared about the faith of every witness of this miracle. Since we can still read this story today, we also know Jesus asks us to personally answer His question.

Enjoy this poetic rendering of the story of Lazarus as you ponder your answer to Jesus’ question.

Do You Believe?

The shadow of death hovered

O’r Laz’rus by blanket covered.

From sisters came the plea,

“Lord, Jesus, do you see?”

Jesus’ love for them was great

As His mind beheld their fate.

He tarried two more days

So they could learn His ways.

Lazarus, do you believe?

 

At last the time had come

For Jesus’ will be done.

“Let’s go,” He said to friends,

“You’ll see how his life ends.”

“It’s dangerous,” they whined

And sought to change His mind.

They muttered under breath,

“Could Laz’rus rise from death?”

Disciples, do you believe?

 

Mourners wept and wailed four days

Laz’rus sealed within his grave.

To Jesus Martha ran

And grasped His holy hand.

“Please pray God to restore;

He’ll give all You ask for.”

He made a declaration:

“I’m life and resurrection.”

Martha, do you believe?

 

“See Jesus,” Martha said,

So Mary turned and fled.

At His feet she lamented,

“Death you could have prevented.”

Sin’s sting stirred in His breast

Righteous anger at death;

Fol’wing Mary to the place,

Sorrow coursed  down His face.

Mary, do you believe?

 

“Roll the stone aside,” He said.

The crowd gasped in utter dread.

Jesus prayed to God out loud,

And Laz’rus woke in his shroud.

Lazarus walked out from death;

His old body had new breath.

“Now unwrap him, let him go!”

Jesus said, pleased by life’s glow.

Crowds, do you believe?

 

Sometime later, by God’s good plan

On crude cross Jesus bled for Man.

In three days He rose to stand

In victory at God’s right hand.

Friend, do YOU believe?

 

(Based on John 11:1-44 NLT)

The pivotal question for every person came from Jesus on the day He brought His friend, Lazarus, back to life. “Do you believe?” #annieyorty #believe #whodoyoubelieve Share on X

Believe in What?

When I shop, I often see spiritual signs that offer the sentiment of belief. In beautiful script, they say, “Believe,” or “Just Believe.” At Christmas, these words urge us to believe in Santa Claus. But folks might believe in other entities as well. Belief in karma is popular. Others believe in themselves. Maybe if you do enough good in this life to outweigh your bad, God will accept you into heaven.

Only one object of our belief is reliable. His name is Jesus Christ. He’s also known as God with Us—Emmanuel. The perfect Son of God left heaven to live on earth and die a criminal’s death on a cross. Why? To pay the price for our sins.

If we confess our need for a Savior and believe Jesus is Lord, He will save us us from the punishment for our sins—eternity spent in hell.

Though Santa is jolly, believing in him won’t wash away our sins. Belief in karma leaves everyone hurting. If we’re honest, we know our own efforts often fall flat. Only Jesus is worthy of our belief and will deliver on all His promises.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT)

Do You Believe?

How do you answer the most consequential question of your life? If you haven’t believed in Jesus, what holds you back? Read more at Steps to Peace with God.

If you have received Jesus as your Savior, live in the good news that the Risen Savior you believe in loves you unconditionally and walks with you through this life and into eternity.

Jesus is risen. He is risen indeed!

And because He has risen, you will rise from death too—if you believe.

Join the conversation:

Do you believe Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life for you personally?

I welcome your comments.

Copyright ©2025 Annie Yorty