Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live". (John 11:25)
This statement is the fifth ‘I am’ statement of the seven Jesus made, which can all be found in the gospel of John. In different settings, Jesus used titles to describe Himself that pointed to special roles he was ready to fulfill. Some of these refer back to the Old Testament promises of the coming Messiah, others were ways to help people understand Him. For instance, in the second ‘I am’ statement found in John 6:35, Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life which points to Him being the only source of Life. This statement connects to where the Israelites ate manna provided by God: “… that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 8:3).
We need to remember that Life is one of the things that Jesus promised the most when He spoke to His disciples. He reiterated that in Him and through Him we will not only gain life on earth but also eternal life. He promises that He is the “way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) and that He came that we may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10).
He explains that eternal life is that we may know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom God has sent (John 17:3). What an honor it is to know that our eternal life will involve getting to know our King and Saviour. And not only will we get to know Jesus but we who choose Him will never perish and no one will be able to snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28). For once we had the wages of sin on us which caused death, but now we have the free gift of God, which is eternal life in Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Jesus abolished death and brought resurrection life and immortality through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:10).
When we realize this profound truth and this wonderful offer, how can we not commit our lives to Him? We have this grand offer and certainty: “Since I live, you too will live” (John 14:19).
Comments