Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life
“Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?'”
John 11:26-27 LSB
Of all the “I Am” sayings of Jesus, this one has the most profound implications. In this statement, Jesus declares that the Resurrection is not just an event, but also a Person who gives life now. In our need to be delivered from the power of sin and death, Jesus supplies in Himself our every need – whether physical or spiritual. He raises people from the dead by His own power; not just in the Resurrection, but even now, as demonstrated with Lazarus and others. But these were not just words of assurance given to Martha as she was mourning the death of her brother, Lazarus. Jesus proved Himself by raising Lazarus up from the grave, and ultimately, in His own death and Resurrection. Apart from Jesus’ death and Resurrection, we would have no hope. No hope in forgiveness of sin and peace with God. No hope for life after death. No hope for meaning in this life now. In fact, if Christ wasn’t raised from the dead, our faith is pointless and we should be pitied more than anyone.
Do you think about your own death? Do you feel a pit in your stomach? Do you brush it away? We all desire life beyond the grave. Eternity is written in our hearts. Knowing Christ is the only way to be free from the shackles of fear in death. We see in Scripture that the Resurrection is essential to the Gospel and to our faith. Christ’s Resurrection guarantees ours, and that should give us hope – even in death. Jesus’ Resurrection is not just life insurance, it’s life assurance. Jesus says in John 17:3: “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Eternal life begins with knowing Christ and is uninterrupted even in physical death. Therefore, as Christians, we understand that to die is to live more fully, more triumphantly, and more blessedly.
Do you believe this?
