The statement “I am the resurrection and the life” is found in John 11:25, spoken by Jesus to Martha before raising Lazarus from the dead. This profound statement provides critical insight into who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish.
The Setting of John 11
John 11 opens with Jesus receiving word that His friend Lazarus is ill in the town of Bethany. Rather than rushing to heal Lazarus, Jesus waits two more days before announcing His intention to return to Judea where Bethany is located (John 11:6-7). The disciples warn Jesus that the religious leaders there want to stone Him, but Jesus is determined to go anyway, stating that Lazarus has “fallen asleep” and He intends to “wake him up” (John 11:8-11). The disciples misunderstand Jesus, thinking Lazarus is merely sleeping, but Jesus means that Lazarus has died. When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead four days.
Martha, Lazarus’ sister, comes to meet Jesus and laments that if He had arrived sooner, Lazarus would not have died. Jesus assures her that her brother will rise again, prompting Martha to acknowledge the future resurrection of the dead. She did not realize, however, that the power of resurrection stood right before her at that very moment. Jesus tells her plainly, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
The Meaning of “I Am”
To grasp the significance of Jesus’ statement, it’s important to understand the meaning of “I am.” Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus uses the phrase “I am” to identify Himself in various ways that affirm His deity. For example, Jesus declares “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), and “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Each of these statements points to Jesus’ divine nature and messianic mission.
The phrase “I am” also echoes God’s self-declaration in Exodus 3:14, where He reveals His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.” By using this phrase so frequently, Jesus associated Himself with the eternal God of the Old Testament.
Jesus as the Resurrection
In calling Himself the “resurrection,” Jesus claims to possess the power to raise the dead. Resurrection means to return to life after death. Only God has authority over life and death, yet Jesus unhesitatingly applies this role to Himself. Three times earlier in John’s gospel Jesus said that He had power to “raise up” those who believed in Him (John 6:39-40, 44). Now, standing by Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus demonstrates His power over death physically and literally.
Some Jewish people in Jesus’ day taught that the dead would rise again at a future resurrection when the Messiah came. Martha expressed this same belief earlier in John 11. But Jesus takes it further here by declaring that the future hope of resurrection has arrived in the present because the Resurrection Himself, the Messiah, has come! Jesus does not have to wait for a future event because He Himself has authority over life and death in the here and now.
Jesus as the Life
Calling Himself “the life” means more than just having power over physical life and death. It encompasses spiritual life as well. Earlier in John’s gospel, Jesus defined “eternal life” not simply as endless duration, but as knowing God and His Son intimately (John 17:3). He brings spiritual life to those who are dead in their sins (Ephesians 2:1). Jesus told Martha that whoever believes in Him will live even if they die physically (John 11:25-26). Their spiritual life transcends physical death.
Jesus came to give life in all its fullness (John 10:10). Not only does He offer eternal life after death, but He gives abundant life now to those who follow Him. Cut off from Jesus, people exist in a state of spiritual deadness (Colossians 2:13). But in Christ is life itself, obtained through faith in His finished work on the cross where He conquered death once for all.
The Power over Death and the Grave
After declaring Himself the resurrection and the life, Jesus asks Martha if she believes what He has spoken. She responds with a declaration of faith that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus then goes to Lazarus’ tomb, prays in thanksgiving to the Father, and calls Lazarus to come out, resurrected. The onlookers are amazed as Lazarus emerges alive after four days in the grave (John 11:38-44).
This incredible miracle validates Jesus’ claims about Himself. The resurrection and life stand before them in the flesh. By His own authority, Jesus defeated death and restored His friend to life as a display of His glory and divine identity. He is the Lord of the impossible, with power over both sin and death.
As the resurrection and the life, Jesus provides hope beyond the grave. Death does not have the final word for those who put their faith in Christ. Jesus proves His ability to fulfill His promises both now and for eternity. He gives spiritual life to all who believe and will one day raise them to eternal life with Him forever.
Why This Statement Matters Today
The truth that Jesus is the resurrection and the life remains relevant and tremendously encouraging today. Whenever we face the death of loved ones or contemplate our own mortality, Jesus’ words to Martha remind us that death does not have the ultimate victory. Sin, decay, and the curse of death will not have the final say. Christ has conquered the grave, and those who trust in Him will experience resurrection from the dead just as He did.
Jesus also promises abundant spiritual life to all who believe in Him. We do not have to stumble through this fallen world in darkness and isolation. The Life Himself, Jesus, is with us through His Spirit, guiding us each day. He breathes new life into our souls, transforming our hearts more and more into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
No earthly philosophy or religion offers the power of resurrection and complete spiritual life. Only Jesus can offer eternal life because He himself is the Giver of life. He who spoke these words to Martha stands ready to speak life into every heart that trusts fully in Him.
