The Resurrection and the Life

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  04/01/21

Martha’s brother Lazarus had been dead in his grave for several days. Although Martha had seen Jesus heal many in the past, she was doubtful that Jesus would raise Lazarus to life in the present.

However, there is no “too late” for the Lord Jesus. In the very presence of a dead man, Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), declaring that this resurrection was not just a future hope, but a present reality. Soon after, Jesus called Lazarus forth from the grave, demonstrating His power over death. In the moment when resurrection was needed most, Christ proved that He was the only way for this man to be revived.

Not long after He made this claim, Jesus endured the cross and then rose from the grave Himself. He proved that He was the resurrection and the life. He proved that what He said was not just a symbolic statement but a physical and spiritual reality.

The resurrection Jesus spoke of encompasses physical life, spiritual life, and eternal life. Jesus was claiming that He is the I am who spoke the earth into motion; He is the God who breathed life into man. He declared that He is not only the giver of physical life but the restorer of spiritual life, transforming slaves to sin into children of God. Lastly, He declared that He is the only assurance of eternal life.

There are philosophers, and there are teachers, but none have fulfilled the claim of being the Messiah. Christ is the only one who has ever died for our sins and ascended into heaven, and there is no other way to be raised from death to life than to trust in Him. There is no other way to live than to live in Christ. Jesus is not just a means to salvation—He is our salvation.

We are all born dead in sin, and only the breath of Christ can awaken us to new life. When Christ declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6), He made it clear that there are no shortcuts: He is the only way!

Take some time to reflect on the resurrection of Christ today. Imagine what it will be like to see our Savior face to face, to spend eternity worshiping Him and enjoying His presence. Until then, let us give our lives in worship to the one who gave His life for us.

Prayer: Jesus, You alone are the resurrection and the life. Thank You for defeating the grave so that I may have eternal life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).