In John 11:1-44, Jesus receives word from two sisters, Mary and Martha, that their brother, Lazarus, is ill. When Jesus hears the news, he says “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Lazarus has been dead for four days by the time Jesus arrives. His perceived delay is no delay. He is showing that he is the One who holds the power of resurrection and life. Jesus prays to the Father and commands Lazarus to come out of the grave, raising him from the dead. It is often believed that the resurrection will be an event. Jesus shows us that it is a Person. Jesus not only gives resurrection and life, he is resurrection and life.

Read

John 11:25, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,’”

Discuss

Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead?

Raising Lazarus from the dead glorified God and pointed back to Jesus as the One with power over death and the grave.

Why is believing Jesus is the resurrection and the life important?

Because of Christ and his resurrection power, we are promised resurrection from the dead and given eternal life through faith in him. John 11:26 says, “and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Resurrection and life go hand-in-hand.

Without Jesus Christ, there is neither resurrection nor eternal life. John 20:31 says, “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Pray

1 Corinthians 6:14, “And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.”

Father,

Our grateful hearts lift praise to you, our Father and Creator. As believers in Christ, we rejoice in the gift of eternal life and resurrection that can only come from Jesus Christ. What beautiful words to hear from our Savior, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Lord, you take away the sin of the world and give us new life. Set our hearts to beat in rhythm with the truth of your Word.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen