The Gospel of John, chapter 11, narrates one of the most profound and awe-inspiring miracles performed by Jesus Christ: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Within this powerful narrative, verses 25-26 stand out as a pivotal declaration of Jesus’ divine nature and his power over life and death. This passage, John 11:25-26, is not merely a comforting statement; it’s a foundational truth for Christian belief, revealing Jesus as the very embodiment of resurrection and eternal life.
This chapter unfolds with Lazarus, a resident of Bethany and brother to Mary and Martha, falling gravely ill. His sisters, knowing Jesus’ love for Lazarus and his miraculous abilities, send word to him, stating, “Master, the one you love is ill.” Upon receiving this message, Jesus responds with words that initially seem perplexing, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” This sets the stage for a demonstration of divine power that goes beyond mere healing, pointing towards a deeper spiritual reality.
Despite his love for Lazarus and his sisters, Jesus delays his arrival in Bethany for two days. This delay is crucial to the unfolding events and the magnitude of the miracle that is about to occur. When Jesus finally decides to journey to Judea, his disciples express concern, reminding him of the recent attempts by the Jews to stone him. Jesus reassures them, speaking of walking in the light and avoiding stumbling, alluding to his divine mission and protection.
Upon arriving in Bethany, Jesus is met by Martha. Mary remains at home, grieving. Martha’s words to Jesus are filled with both faith and lament, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” This statement reveals a deep-seated belief in Jesus’ healing power, yet also a hint of disappointment or questioning at his absence. However, Martha also expresses a continuing faith, adding, “But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
It is in this context of grief, faith, and anticipation that Jesus makes his momentous declaration in John 11:25-26. Responding to Martha’s statement about the resurrection at the last day, Jesus proclaims, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Let’s unpack the profound meaning of John 11:25-26 phrase by phrase:
“I am the resurrection and the life”: This is not merely Jesus promising resurrection and life; he is resurrection and life itself. This powerful “I AM” statement echoes God’s self-revelation to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14), signifying Jesus’ divine identity. He is not just a messenger or a conduit of life; he is the source and embodiment of resurrection and life. This declaration emphasizes that life, in its truest and eternal sense, is found in Jesus.
“Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live”: This part of John 11:25-26 speaks to the transformative power of faith in Jesus. It acknowledges the reality of physical death (“even if he dies”) but transcends it with the promise of life for believers. This is not just about resuscitation, as in Lazarus’ case, but about a deeper, spiritual life that persists beyond physical death. Faith in Jesus guarantees a life that death cannot ultimately conquer.
“And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die”: This second part of verse 26 further clarifies the nature of eternal life offered through Jesus. It addresses those who are alive now and believe. For them, believing in Jesus means experiencing a quality of life that is eternal. This “never die” is not necessarily a promise to escape physical death, but a promise of eternal life in the presence of God that begins in this life and continues unbroken into eternity. It’s about escaping spiritual death – separation from God – and entering into everlasting life through faith in Jesus.
“Do you believe this?”: Jesus concludes his powerful declaration in John 11:25-26 with a direct and personal question to Martha, “Do you believe this?” This question is not just for Martha; it’s for every reader and listener throughout history. It calls for a personal response to the truth Jesus has just proclaimed. It’s an invitation to embrace faith in him as the resurrection and the life, and to claim the promises of eternal life that come with that belief.
Martha’s response is a powerful affirmation of faith: “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” Her confession acknowledges Jesus’ divine identity and mission, highlighting the transformative impact of his words. Her belief is not blind faith, but faith rooted in her growing understanding of who Jesus is.
Following this profound exchange, the narrative continues with Jesus proceeding to Lazarus’ tomb. His emotional response, “Jesus wept,” underscores his humanity and his empathy for human suffering and grief, even as he is about to overcome death itself. At the tomb, after a brief dialogue with Martha about the stench of death and the need for belief, Jesus commands, “Take away the stone.” Then, with a loud voice, he cries out, “Lazarus, come out!”
The miracle unfolds: Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still bound in burial cloths, alive after four days of death. This dramatic event is the climax of the narrative, a visible demonstration of Jesus’ claim in John 11:25-26 to be the resurrection and the life. The raising of Lazarus serves as a powerful sign, confirming Jesus’ divine power over death and validating his declaration.
The impact of this miracle is immediate and divided. Many of the Jews who witnessed this event believed in Jesus. However, others, instead of being convinced, went to the Pharisees and reported what Jesus had done, leading to the Sanhedrin’s decision to plot Jesus’ death. This ironic twist highlights the spiritual blindness of some, even in the face of undeniable evidence. The very miracle intended to reveal God’s glory becomes a catalyst for the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, which, in turn, is the ultimate act of resurrection and life for humanity.
The Significance of John 11:25-26 for Today
John 11:25-26 remains a cornerstone of Christian faith and hope. It offers profound comfort and assurance in the face of death and loss. The declaration “I am the resurrection and the life” is not confined to the historical event of Lazarus’ raising; it’s a timeless truth that resonates with believers today.
- Hope in the Face of Death: In a world often marked by fear of death, John 11:25-26 offers unwavering hope. It assures believers that death is not the end, but a transition to eternal life for those who believe in Jesus.
- The Nature of Eternal Life: This passage clarifies that eternal life is not merely about living forever, but about a quality of life – a life connected to and empowered by Jesus, which begins now and extends into eternity.
- The Importance of Belief: John 11:25-26 emphasizes the crucial role of faith. Belief in Jesus as the resurrection and the life is the key to unlocking the promise of eternal life. This belief is not just intellectual assent, but a trusting, life-transforming commitment.
- Jesus’ Divine Identity: The “I AM” statement firmly establishes Jesus’ divinity. He is not just a good teacher or a prophet, but God incarnate, the source of all life and resurrection.
In conclusion, John 11:25-26 is a powerful and transformative passage. It reveals Jesus as the resurrection and the life, offering the promise of eternal life to all who believe in him. This declaration, set within the dramatic narrative of Lazarus’ raising, continues to inspire faith, offer hope, and challenge individuals to respond to Jesus’ question: “Do you believe this?” For those who answer “Yes,” John 11:25-26 is not just a verse to be read, but a truth to be lived, embraced, and shared.
