Death is one of life’s most unavoidable realities—and yet, in the heart of grief, Jesus speaks the most powerful words of hope ever spoken:
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).
Jesus spoke these words to Martha just before raising her brother Lazarus from the dead. But this was not an isolated moment. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently demonstrates that He holds the keys of life and death. His claim in John 11 is central to understanding His mission—and it connects deeply to other resurrection accounts.
1. A Personal Claim: “I AM”
- Scripture Support: “I am the resurrection and the life…” (John 11:25)
- This is one of seven “I AM” statements in John’s Gospel (e.g., “I am the bread of life” – John 6:35) and connects to God’s name in Exodus 3:14.
- Life Application: Worship Jesus not just for what He can do, but for who He is. He is your source of life—both now and forever.
2. Interconnected Stories: Jesus Raises the Dead in Other Gospels
The resurrection of Lazarus is one of three specific times Jesus raised the dead before His own resurrection:
a. Jairus’ Daughter – A Resurrection in Private
- Scripture Support: “Talitha cumi… And immediately the girl got up” (Mark 5:41–42)
b. The Widow’s Son at Nain – A Resurrection in Public
- Scripture Support: “Young man, I say to you, arise.” (Luke 7:14–15)
c. Lazarus – A Resurrection for the World to See
- Scripture Support: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43)
- Life Application: The consistency across the Gospels shows that resurrection isn’t a one-time event—it’s the pattern of the kingdom. Jesus brings life everywhere He goes.
3. Jesus Weeps Before He Raises
- Scripture Support: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35)
- Compare to His compassion for the widow at Nain in Luke 7:13.
- Life Application: Jesus feels your pain before He brings your breakthrough. His power is never separate from His love.
4. Faith Is the Gateway to Resurrection Life
- Scripture Support: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
- Compare with: “Do not fear, only believe” (Mark 5:36)
- Life Application: Belief brings life. Jesus calls us to trust in Him not only in life but also in death.
5. The Greater Resurrection to Come
- Scripture Support: “I lay down my life that I may take it up again” (John 10:17–18)
- Scripture Support: “He is not here, for he has risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6)
- Life Application: The resurrection of Lazarus foreshadows your own future. Jesus’ resurrection ensures that all who believe will live again.
Teaching Questions:
- How do the resurrection stories across the Gospels reveal Jesus’ power and compassion?
- Why does Jesus connect resurrection to belief in Him personally?
- How does Jesus’ weeping at Lazarus’ tomb affect how we view God’s character?
- What hope do these interconnected resurrection stories offer for those who grieve today?
- In what ways does Jesus’ own resurrection fulfill and surpass the resurrections He performed?
