Read John 11:17-44.

Jesus’ final “I am” statement in the gospel of John is “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). He makes this declaration in the middle of a funeral. His friend Lazarus had become sick, yet Jesus did not travel to see him for two days so that by the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Lazarus’ sisters Mary and Martha were distraught.

When He finally arrived, Martha ran to Jesus, who assured her, “Your brother will rise again” (v. 23). Now, like a good Pharisee, Martha believed in the resurrection of the dead at the last day. She assumed Jesus was referring to the resurrection at the end of the age. She had been focused on the past, knowing that if only Jesus had gotten to town sooner, He could have healed her brother (see v. 21). And then, at Jesus’ words, she looked to the future, thinking about the day when all the faithful will rise at the end of the age. But Jesus wanted to shift her focus from past and future events to Himself: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (vv. 25-26).

With that gentle nudge, Martha focused on Jesus, and she knew exactly who He is, answering, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (v. 27). The miracle began when Martha realized that Christ’s power is not relegated to the past or the future. He is the sovereign King—simply knowing Him will satisfy our every longing. When Jesus is our focus, when He is first and foremost in our hearts, when we believe in Him, then everything He does for us is icing on the cake—for He is the resurrection and the life. 

He is both the Creator of all physical life and the Creator of our spiritual life. Acts 17:25 tells us that God “himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Likewise, John wrote, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:3-4). Jesus is the source of all life. Without Him, none of us would be here.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to keep my eyes on You as I walk through this broken world. I know that the day will come when You will make all things new. I cling to Your promise that all things are used for the good of Your people. May I rest in Your love and faithfulness. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die’” (John 11:25).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series The Exclusivity of Jesus: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!