Resurrection

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26)

                The Gospel of John is like none other, and it contains seven “I AM” statements from the lips of Jesus.  For instance, Jesus said, “I am the Bread of life…the Light of the world…the Door of the sheep…the Good Shepherd, etc.”  John 11 takes us to the occasion when Jesus’ dear friend, Lazarus, was on death’s doorstep.  When Jesus learned that Lazarus was near death, He decided to stay where He was another two days.  That sounds very callous, but Jesus knew what was about to occur.

                After two days, Jesus and the disciples returned to Bethany.  When they arrived, Martha (Lazarus’ sister) ran out to meet Him.  She said, “If you would have been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21).  She thought it was too late – Lazarus was dead and there was nothing that could be done about it.  Jesus comforted Martha – “Your brother will rise again” (John 11:23).  Martha thought Jesus was talking about “the resurrection at the last day” (John 11:24).

                Jesus made another I AM statement – “I am the resurrection and the life.”  Those words tell us that eternal hope can only be found in Jesus.  Furthermore, “He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”  Every person that has ever died in Christ will be resurrected at the end of time (1 Thess. 4:13-18).  Not only that, but “whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.”  Every Christian that’s alive when Jesus comes back will not die – instead he/she will be ushered into God’s presence forever!