Jesus told grieving Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25, ESV). Then Jesus asked her, Do you believe this? It is the question every heart must answer, especially as Easter approaches.
Key Verse
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live’” (John 11:25, ESV)
A Conversation in Grief
Martha met Jesus on the road after her brother Lazarus died. She expressed both disappointment and faith: if only you had come sooner, my brother would still be alive, yet even now God will give you whatever you ask. Jesus told her that her brother would rise again. Martha assumed he meant someday, at the last day.
Jesus responded with a stunning claim. Resurrection is not only an event in the future. It is a person, and he was standing in front of her.
Life That Death Cannot End
Jesus promised that those who believe in him will live, even though they die. Physical death is real, but it is not final for his people. And those who live and believe in him will never die in the deepest sense, never be separated from God.
Days later, Jesus proved his claim by calling Lazarus from the grave. And soon after, he would walk out of his own tomb.
Do You Believe This?
Jesus did not give Martha a lecture. He asked a personal question. Faith is not just agreeing with ideas about Jesus. It is trusting him personally with life and death. Martha answered that she believed he was the Messiah, God’s Son.
Jesus asks you the same question today. Whatever losses you face, whatever fears about death you carry, do you believe he is the resurrection and life itself?
Living With Resurrection Hope
This hope changes how we grieve, how we face illness, and how we live each day. We can grieve deeply but not without hope. We can face the future with courage. And we can share this hope with people who are afraid.
Today, Try This
Read John 11:1-44 in one sitting. Then answer Jesus’ question aloud: Lord, I believe you are the resurrection, and you are the life.
Reflection Question
How would believing Jesus is the resurrection and life itself change the way you face a fear or loss today?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the resurrection and life itself. I believe in you. Thank you that death does not have the final word for those who trust you. Strengthen my faith, comfort me in loss, and fill me with living hope. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “I am the resurrection and the life” mean?
In John 11:25-26 (ESV), Jesus claims that he himself is the source of resurrection and eternal life. Those who believe in him will live even though they die, because he has power over death.
Who did Jesus first say “I am the resurrection and the life” to?
Jesus spoke these words to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, shortly after Lazarus died in Bethany. He then raised Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating the truth of his claim.
Is this one of the I AM statements of Jesus?
Yes. It is one of seven I AM statements in John’s Gospel, along with bread of life, light of the world, door, good shepherd, way, truth and life, and true vine. Each reveals something about who Jesus is.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Gospel of John study
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: our devotional: Bread of Life Devotional
- Related: Rich Man and Lazarus Meaning
- Related: Devotional on Victory Over Death
- Related: Mary and Martha Devotional: The One Thing Necessary
- Related: Devotional on Extravagant Love: A Beautiful Thing