This contains a profound declaration made by Jesus during the resurrection of Lazarus. In these verses, Jesus proclaims Himself as the source of life and the giver of eternal hope. In this passage, Jesus speaks to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, who had just passed away. Jesus had arrived at Lazarus' tomb, and Martha expressed her faith in Jesus' power, believing that God would grant whatever Jesus asked. It is in this context that Jesus makes a powerful proclamation about Himself.
Applying this passage to our lives, we are invited to embrace Jesus as the source of life and the giver of eternal hope. By declaring Himself as "the resurrection and the life," Jesus proclaims His authority over death and His ability to grant eternal life to those who believe in Him.
The first part of the declaration, "He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies," affirms the promise of resurrection for believers. Physical death is not the end for those who put their trust in Jesus. Though our earthly bodies may perish, our spirits will live on, united with Christ in eternity.
In 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, Paul expresses this truth: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?" Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered death, offering victory over the grave to all who believe in Him.
Applying this aspect of the passage to our lives, we are assured that our hope extends beyond this earthly life. Jesus offers the promise of resurrection and eternal life to those who believe in Him. Even in the face of physical death, we have the assurance that our spirits will continue to live on with Him.
The second part of the declaration, "Whoever lives and believes in me will never die," emphasizes the eternal nature of the life Jesus offers. Eternal life is not just a distant future reality; it begins the moment we put our faith in Jesus. Believers experience a new spiritual life in Christ that transcends the limitations of this world and continues into eternity.
In John 5:24, Jesus says, "Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." By believing in Jesus and accepting Him as our Savior, we are transformed from a state of spiritual death to eternal life.
Applying this aspect of the passage to our lives, we are called to recognize that true life is found in Jesus. The world offers various paths to fulfillment and happiness, but only Jesus can grant us eternal life and a meaningful existence. As we abide in Him and believe in His saving work, we experience a life that goes beyond our physical existence and is filled with purpose and hope.
In the final part of the passage, Jesus asks Martha a profound question, "Do you believe this?" This question is not just for Martha but for all who read these words. It challenges us to examine our own faith and belief in Jesus as the resurrection and the life.
Applying this aspect of the passage to our lives, we are invited to respond to Jesus' question with genuine faith and trust in Him. Belief in Jesus is not merely acknowledging historical facts about Him but entrusting our lives to Him as our Lord and Savior. When we believe in Jesus, we are acknowledging that He is the source of life and the way to eternal hope.
In John 20:31, the purpose of the Gospel of John is explicitly stated: "but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name." The ultimate goal is for all to believe in Jesus and experience the abundant and eternal life He offers.
In conclusion, John 11:25-26 contains a powerful declaration by Jesus about Himself as "the resurrection and the life." Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. Believers are assured of resurrection and eternal life, both now and in the future, as they place their faith in Jesus. This passage challenges us to examine our own faith and respond to Jesus' question, "Do you believe this?" May we confidently declare our belief in Jesus as the source of life and the giver of eternal hope, finding security and comfort in His promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
John 11:25-26. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”