“I Am the Resurrection and the Life”
Seeking Jesus First - May 19, 2026
“I Am the Resurrection and the Life”
Please Read John 11:17–27 (NKJV)
Reflection
By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. The mourning was deep. When Martha heard Jesus was coming, she ran to meet Him with a mixture of grief and faith:
“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
Martha’s words in verses 21–22 are powerful. She acknowledged the pain of Jesus’ delay, yet she still believed that He could have whatever He prayed.
Then Jesus spoke words that changed everything:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Jesus did not say, “I will give resurrection.” He said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He is not just the giver of life after death — He is Life itself. This is one of the greatest “I Am” statements in the Gospel of John.
Martha responded with a strong confession of faith: “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” Yet she still didn’t fully understand that the Resurrection was standing right in front of her.
This truth echoes throughout Scripture. As Peter later wrote:
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
Suffering is real. Delay is painful. Death hurts. But for those who belong to Jesus, it is never the final word. He is the Resurrection and the Life.
Application
Today, bring the Lord any area of your life where you feel delayed, disappointed, or grieving. Renew your mind with this truth: Jesus doesn’t just give resurrection — He is the Resurrection and the Life. Speak Martha’s words over your situation: “Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Then answer Jesus’ question personally: “Do you believe this?” Let your answer move from your head to your heart. Choose to trust Him as the Resurrection and the Life even before you see the breakthrough.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus boldly declared, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Thank You that He is not just the giver of life — He is Life itself. Comfort us in every place of grief and delay. Help us believe like Martha — even when we don’t understand the timing. Strengthen our faith to declare, “Even now I know…” Renew our minds to trust that after we have suffered a while, You will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us. We believe Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. In His mighty name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.