Life-Changing Significance of Jesus’ Words When He Says ‘I Am the Resurrection and the Life’
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Jesus spoke. ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ He shared these words with Martha, as she grieved the loss of her brother Lazarus. Reading or hearing the words Jesus spoke can bring comfort and peace. The book of John shares how when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. The brother of Martha and Mary had died. Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. After Lazarus died, people had come to visit the mourning family. Jesus waited to visit, and Martha wondered why the delay.
As Jesus spoke this profound and important statement of ‘I am the resurrection and the life’, Martha had yet to understand the meaning.
Do we read that Scripture and understand? Are we filled with faith in our Lord or are we filled with doubt? The Word of God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Yes, He is the light of the world.
What Does I am the Resurrection and the Life Mean?
As sisters Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus had died, perhaps they thought Jesus would drop whatever He was doing and start the journey to get to them immediately. In Scripture, we read Jesus shared with his disciples that he was going there to wake Lazarus (John 11:11). Jesus stayed two more days before leaving to go to his friend Lazarus. Jesus shares that what He is doing is for the glory of God, not man. Even then, the disciples did not fully know the meaning of death. They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was asleep.
Jesus spoke ‘I am’ statements. ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ is one of those statements (John 11:25).
Jesus shares with Martha that her brother Lazarus will rise again. She responds by saying she knows he will rise on the last day. Martha doesn’t understand the true depth of what Jesus is telling her. Martha is referring to a day in the future.
Jesus tells Martha that He is the resurrection and the life. He explains that anyone who believes in Him will live and never die. Jesus is referring to life eternal with God, not the earthly life. Jesus showed His power over earthly death as He called for Lazarus to come out of the tomb (John 11:43). Jesus asked for the stone to be taken away. Then, Jesus thanked God for hearing his prayers. What lessons we can learn from this Scripture. Jesus thanked His Father for hearing his prayers. Lazarus came out of the tomb and was released from bindings.
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Only Jesus.
Why Is it Important that Jesus Is the Resurrection?
Jesus is the Son of God. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, for our sins, we have a relationship with God. Jesus shared with words and actions. He was born, lived, was arrested, tried, and convicted. Jesus died on the cross. After three days, He rose from the dead. Through His words, we learn of the way Jesus lived and died.
As we grow in faith and learn of the height and depth of His love for us, the resurrection will be forever etched into our hearts and souls.
When Jesus rose from the grave, He ascended to the Father in Heaven. Jesus overcame earthly death so that we may live eternally with the Father. Jesus brings hope.
Why Is it Important that Jesus Is the Life?
In Scripture, we read that no one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Without Jesus, we have no hope for eternal life with God. When we seek a relationship with God, our faith and hope can grow. Perhaps you have read “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.” on a t-shirt or billboard or maybe a bumper sticker. Knowing Jesus and growing closer to God in each moment gives us the strength, stamina, and hope to journey through good times and bad times. We are sinners and fall short of how we should treat each other. Yet, through believing Christ and growing that special relationship, we are more prepared to share His love with others.
If someone asks, “Who is this Jesus you speak about?” or “Why do you believe?”, how will you respond? Do you have an answer? Are you ready to share your faith journey? Are you ready to share how you came to know Christ?
There are times to listen and times to give your testimony.
Find ways to share your love for Jesus. We have a relationship with God because of Jesus. Sharing the good news is vital to helping others know Christ. Without Jesus, we do not have eternal life.
What Does the Bible Say about the Resurrection and the Life?
As we prepare for Easter, let us remember the importance of the Resurrection of Jesus. His time on earth was not long, yet His impact was astounding. Jesus performed miracles, taught through parables, cared for the sick and lonely, loved everyone, and shared the love of God in words and actions. When the time had come, as foretold in Scripture (Matthew 20:17-19), Jesus was crucified on a cross, died, and was buried in a tomb. For some people, hope was lost. For others, hope came to life, as the news of His resurrection spread.
The heartache of His painful and slow death, the mourning by His family, friends, and followers was felt throughout the land. Movies have tried to portray what the events looked and sounded like, but we cannot feel the full emotions of that time. We must read His Word to understand and share the news of His resurrection.
Due to COVID, Easter 2021 may be different in the way we gather and the way we celebrate. However, the true meaning and significance of the resurrection of Christ will always be important to our faith and to our relationship with God and with each other.
As Easter Sunday approaches, remember to share the news of the real reason for celebrating. Include special prayers, activities, and worship in your Easter celebration. Remember you are created by God and you are loved by Him.
When you hear or read those special words, ‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ know that you are speaking the truth and sharing the glory of God.
Prayer for Easter Sunday and the Resurrection
Father, on this Easter Sunday and on every day of the week, let us remember the sacrifice of Jesus. As He suffered on the cross, and even before that painful day, Jesus knew of Your love. Jesus showed dedication and love for Your creations through every action and word. Our lives are forever changed when we seek You and accept You into our lives. We read how Jesus suffered a horrific death. Yet, through that death on the cross, life was resurrected and brought to all who believe. What comfort to know we are loved and cherished by You. Peace fills our hearts as we rest in Your love and mercy. In the name of Your Son Jesus, Amen.
When we believe Jesus as He says, ‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ we are opening ourselves to a life filled with hope, promise, and life everlasting.
Further Reading
What Does Jesus Mean When He Says, "I Am the Resurrection and the Life" in John 11:25?
Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images/TanyaSid
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy-to-read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. We hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in your life today.