I AM 05 – I Am the Resurrection and the Life

Chen JiaMission Stories

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE

Scripture reading: John 11:25-26

Today, we explore the fifth "I Am" statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John.

John 11:25-26
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

This statement, spoken during the resurrection of Lazarus, reveals Jesus' power over death and His promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Jesus made this declaration when Martha, the sister of Lazarus, expressed her faith in Jesus' ability to heal her brother even after his death. Jesus' response not only addressed Lazarus' physical resurrection but also pointed to His authority over spiritual death and the promise of eternal life.

Daniel 12:2
2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Resurrection signifies new life after death. In Jewish thought, it was a hope for the future when all righteous souls would be raised to live with God forever (Daniel 12:2).

John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Life, in the context of Jesus' statement, refers to spiritual and eternal life. It encompasses the fullness of existence in communion with God, marked by liveliness, purpose, and fulfillment.

Discussion Question:
“I am the resurrection and the life.” How does Jesus' statement challenge or affirm your beliefs about life after death?

John 11:43-44
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Jesus asserts His authority over death by proclaiming Himself as the Resurrection and the Life. He demonstrates this authority through His own resurrection and the miracles He performs, such as raising Lazarus from the dead.

John 14:1-3
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Jesus promises eternal security to those who believe in Him. He assures us that physical death is not the end but a transition to eternal life in His presence.

Discussion Question:
How does Jesus' authority over death impact your daily life?

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus poses a crucial question to Martha and to all of us: "Do you believe this?" Belief in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life is central to receiving eternal life and experiencing the fullness of God's promises.

Romans 6:5
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Belief in Jesus transforms our understanding of life and death. It empowers us to live boldly, knowing that our future is secure in Him, and motivates us to share the hope of eternal life with others (Romans 6:5).

Discussion Question:
How does your belief in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life impact your perspective on life's challenges and uncertainties?

TEACHING TIP

How you can actively share the hope of resurrection and life with others:
- By sharing how Jesus has transformed your life and given you hope for the future.
- Introduce others to Jesus and inviting them to experience His life-transforming power.
- Pray for those who need to encounter Jesus' love and hope in their lives.


CONCLUSION

As we conclude, let's remember that Jesus, as the Resurrection and the Life, offers us hope beyond the grave and eternal security in Him. He invites us to believe in Him and to experience the fullness of life that only He can give. May we respond to His invitation with faith and share His life-giving message with a world in need.

Individual Reflection

TEACHING TIP

Give your members 5 minutes to reflect and to write down the answers to these
questions. At the end of the reflection, encourage members to share their reflections
and commitments to believe in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life


  1. Take a moment to reflect on what it means to live in the light of Jesus' promise of resurrection and life. Consider how this truth shapes your daily decisions and interactions with others.
  1. How has understanding Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life deepened your faith in Him?
  1. What practical steps will you take to live in the light of His promise of resurrection and life?

Closing Prayer

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for revealing Jesus to us as the Resurrection and the Life. We are grateful for His promise of eternal life and His power over death. Help us, Lord, to believe in Him wholeheartedly and to live in the hope and assurance of His resurrection power.

Guide us as we seek to share this hope with others and to lead them to faith in Jesus, who gives us life abundantly.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."