The Lord Will

Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life

John 11:25-26 contains one of the most profound declarations of Jesus: 'I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.' These words were spoken before the tomb of Lazarus, his friend whom death had carried off four days earlier. Jesus does not merely bring resurrection as an external gift: he is himself the resurrection. Eternal life is not first of all a place or a future reward, but a person in whom one abides. In Christ, death ceases to be an end and becomes a passage into eternal life. This declaration was immediately confirmed by a striking sign: Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, demonstrating that he has authority over death itself. John 14:6 extends this truth: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' Everything converges in his person. Romans 8:11 adds that the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus dwells in the believer, so that the very power of the resurrection is already at work in him. To believe in Jesus, therefore, is to receive even now a life that death cannot destroy. When Jesus says 'I am the resurrection and the life,' he speaks in the present tense, not the future. The life that he is, is already available to you today; eternal life does not begin after death, but at the moment one believes.

Key verse snapshot

β€œTherefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”

Bible Verses about Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life

6 Scripture passages on this theme

Matthew 6:25

β€œTherefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”

1 John 3:16

β€œHereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

1 Peter 1:3

β€œBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

2 Kings 8:5

β€œAnd it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.”

Colossians 3:3

β€œFor ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

Galatians 2:20

β€œI am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Jesus is 'the resurrection and the life'?
It means that the source of all life and of victory over death is found in his person, and not in a religious system or in human effort. John 14:6 completes it: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.' Everything converges in Christ himself.
How does this promise affect my daily life?
Knowing that Jesus is the resurrection and the life transforms our relationship to death and suffering. Romans 8:11 promises that 'the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead' dwells in you. The same resurrection power is at work in your life today.
Why did Jesus speak these words before the tomb of Lazarus?
Before the grief of Martha and Mary, Jesus wanted to turn their gaze from a distant hope to his own present person. By raising Lazarus (John 11:43-44), he proved that his declaration was not an abstract discourse but a powerful reality: he has authority over death itself.

Apply These Verses to Your Life

Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with jesus, the resurrection and the life.

Author:
The Lord Will Editorial Team
Reviewed by:
Ugo Candido
Last updated:
Category:
Scripture Guidance