Jesus said to her, “I AM the Resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believe in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to Him, “Yes Lord; I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, He who is coming into the world.”
John 11:25-27
We know that Jesus had friends. Three of His closest friends were Mary, her sister Martha and their brother Lazarus. All three lived in Bethany, which was located a couple miles outside of Jerusalem. It was typical for Jews to flock to Jerusalem for the great feasts and to stay in the homes of friends who lived nearby. On His many trips to Jerusalem, Jesus would have stayed in their home. The most well-known visit is chronicled in Luke 10, when Jesus visits their home and Martha is frustrated because Mary is not helping her serve. Jesus tells Martha in Luke 10:41-42, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”
In John 11, we read that Lazarus is ill, but instead of going right away to Bethany to heal Lazarus, Jesus waits at a distance, saying to the disciples “This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.” (John 11:4) However, Jesus does stay away long enough and Lazarus dies. Once Lazarus is dead, Jesus tells the disciples that they will go to Bethany.
The timing of the raising of Lazarus is intentional. Because only a week later, Jesus will die and rise from the dead. And for those living in Jerusalem who might not be able to conceive of how someone who has died can come back to life, they don’t have to read the prophets or rely on some long ago memory—many had seen the miracle of Lazarus, and know that the power of Jesus raised him from the dead, and thus Jesus would have power over death, as would be seen in His own Resurrection from the dead.
When Jesus arrives at Bethany, this time it is Martha who runs to greet Him, while Mary remains at home mourning. Martha says to Jesus “Lord, if You had been here my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.” (John 11:21-22) Jesus comforts her by saying “Your brother will rise again.” (11:23) Martha says in reply “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (11:24) There was a division among the Jews about a resurrection at the last day, or whether there was any resurrection at all. Martha confesses belief in some concept of “resurrection.”
Jesus, in response to Martha’s comment, reveals another I am statement, as He says: “I AM the Resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26) Jesus not only confirms Martha’s belief in the resurrection, He now reveals that He is the Resurrection and the life. In this statement, He also redefines the meaning of “life” and “death.” Death is permanent estrangement from God. Life is eternal union with Him. Life on earth will result in an earthly death, a cessation of breathing, movement, etc., the things that we experience during “life” on earth.” We will each pass from physical, earthly death to judgment, and then God will judge who will be worthy of eternal “life,” or life in the Kingdom of heaven, and who will be worthy of “death,” meaning permanent consignment to hell and permanent estrangement from God. Thus, Jesus affirms that whoever believes in Him, though a person dies, yet they shall live. Even though they suffer an earthly death, there is the possibility to inherit eternal life for those judged worthy of it.
After saying “I Am the Resurrection and the life,” Jesus asks Martha, “Do you believe this?” (11:26) And then Martha makes a courageous confession of faith. She says “Yes, Lord; I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, He who is coming into the world.” (11:27) And thus, she ascribes belief to the things Christ has said that day, the most important of which is that He is the Resurrection and the “life.” Jesus then puts His words into action, and raises Lazarus from the dead.
This “I AM” statement of Jesus is one of the Biblical passages we lean into the most for comfort when someone we love passes away. It is also something to take reassurance in when we contemplate our own mortality. It provides a goal and a destination, a purpose and hope. In relation to this “I AM” statement, we all find ourselves in the position of Martha, asked by Jesus “Do you believe this?” Our answer to this question really sets the tone for our lives, especially the end of them.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in Whom I trust.” For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. On their hand they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under food. Because he cleaves to Me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect he because he know My name. When he calls to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation. Psalm 91
Apart from Jesus, there is neither resurrection nor eternal life!
0 Comments