John 11:25
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.
Jesus said to her
This phrase introduces the speaker, Jesus, who is addressing Martha. The context is the death of Lazarus, Martha's brother. Jesus' words are a response to Martha's grief and her faith in Him. The Greek verb "eipen" (said) indicates a definitive and authoritative statement. Jesus, as the Son of God, speaks with divine authority, offering comfort and revelation. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection, demonstrating Jesus' power over life and death.

I am
The phrase "I am" (Greek: "Ego eimi") is significant in the Gospel of John, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM." This self-identification by Jesus is a profound declaration of His divinity. It asserts His eternal existence and His unity with God the Father. In the context of John's Gospel, the "I am" statements reveal different aspects of Jesus' divine nature and mission.

the resurrection
The Greek word for resurrection is "anastasis," meaning a rising up or standing again. Jesus identifies Himself as the source and power of resurrection. This is not merely a future event but a present reality embodied in Christ. By claiming to be the resurrection, Jesus asserts His authority over death, offering hope of eternal life to all who believe in Him. This statement is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming that through Jesus, death is not the end.

and the life
The Greek word for life is "zoe," which refers to both physical and spiritual life. Jesus is not only the resurrection but also the life itself. He is the source of all life, both now and eternally. This life is abundant and everlasting, transcending physical death. In Jesus, believers find true life, characterized by a relationship with God, filled with purpose and joy.

Whoever believes in Me
The Greek word for believe is "pisteuo," meaning to have faith or trust. This phrase emphasizes the necessity of personal faith in Jesus. Belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on Jesus as Savior and Lord. This invitation is universal—"whoever" indicates that salvation is available to all who place their faith in Christ, regardless of background or status.

will live
The promise of life is central to Jesus' message. The Greek verb "zesetai" (will live) is in the future tense, indicating a certainty of life beyond physical death. This life is both a present reality and a future hope. Believers experience spiritual life now and the assurance of eternal life with God. This promise provides comfort and assurance, especially in the face of death.

even though he dies
This phrase acknowledges the reality of physical death but affirms that it is not the final word for believers. The Greek word "apothane" (dies) refers to physical death, which is a consequence of sin. However, through Jesus, death is transformed into a passage to eternal life. This assurance is a source of hope and strength, encouraging believers to live with confidence and peace, knowing that death has been conquered through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is making a profound declaration about His identity and power over life and death.

2. Martha
The sister of Lazarus, to whom Jesus is speaking. She is a key figure in this account, expressing faith in Jesus even amidst her grief.

3. Lazarus
The brother of Martha and Mary, whose death and subsequent resurrection by Jesus serve as the backdrop for this declaration.

4. Bethany
The village where this event takes place, located near Jerusalem. It is significant as the setting for several important events in Jesus' ministry.

5. The Resurrection of Lazarus
This miraculous event demonstrates Jesus' power over death and serves as a precursor to His own resurrection.
Teaching Points
The Identity of Christ
Jesus' statement "I am the resurrection and the life" is a profound declaration of His divine nature and authority. Believers are called to recognize and trust in His power over life and death.

Faith in Action
Martha's interaction with Jesus demonstrates a faith that persists even in the face of death. Believers are encouraged to maintain their faith in Jesus' promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

Eternal Perspective
Jesus' promise that "whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" shifts the focus from temporal life to eternal life. Christians are called to live with an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual life over physical existence.

Hope in Resurrection
The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a tangible sign of the hope believers have in their own resurrection. This hope should inspire confidence and courage in the face of death.

Living in Christ
Believers are invited to experience the abundant life that comes from a relationship with Jesus, who is the source of both physical and spiritual life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' declaration as "the resurrection and the life" impact your understanding of His identity and mission?

2. In what ways can Martha's faith in Jesus during a time of grief serve as an example for you in your own life?

3. How does the promise of eternal life through belief in Jesus influence your daily decisions and priorities?

4. What are some practical ways you can maintain an eternal perspective in a world focused on the temporal?

5. How can the hope of resurrection and eternal life in Christ provide comfort and strength in times of loss or uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 14:6
Jesus declares Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life," reinforcing His role as the source of eternal life.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Paul speaks of Christ as the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep, connecting Jesus' resurrection to the hope of believers.

Romans 6:4-5
Paul discusses being united with Christ in His death and resurrection, emphasizing the transformative power of belief in Jesus.

Revelation 1:17-18
Jesus proclaims He holds the keys of death and Hades, affirming His authority over life and death.
A Near Benefit not UnderstoodG. J. Browne, M. A.John 11:17-27
BelievingN. L. Frotheringham.John 11:17-27
Christ LivesLamartine.John 11:17-27
Christ the Resurrection and the LifeE. L. Hull, B. A.John 11:17-27
Christ the Resurrection and the LifeJohn Thomson, D. D.John 11:17-27
Christ the Resurrection and the LifeW. M. Punshon, LL. D.John 11:17-27
Christ the Resurrection and the LifeW. G. Blaikie, D. D.John 11:17-27
Christ, Both Resurrection and LifeE. L. Hull, B. A.John 11:17-27
Christ's Help is Sure, If DelayedJ. Trapp.John 11:17-27
Christ's Treatment of DeathT. T. Munger.John 11:17-27
Contingent Events and ProvidenceA. P. Peabody, D. D.John 11:17-27
Death AvoidedBp. Westcott., D. Thomas, D. D.John 11:17-27
Death Defeated by PrayerJohn 11:17-27
Earthly Relationship not Destroyed by DeathD. J. Vaughan, M. A.John 11:17-27
Faith, not Understanding, Brings Us the BlessingJ. Trapp.John 11:17-27
Funeral SermonJ. Judson.John 11:17-27
Grace Imagined LessJ. Culross, D. D.John 11:17-27
IfBoston HomiliesJohn 11:17-27
Jesus and MarthaD. Thomas, D. D.John 11:17-27
Life EverlastingArchdeacon Manning.John 11:17-27
Martha and JesusC. H. Spurgeon.John 11:17-27
Martha Meeting ChristBp. Ryle.John 11:17-27
Martha's CreedM. Henry., C. E. Luthardt, D. D.John 11:17-27
Natural Analogies of the ResurrectionJ. Wilson.John 11:17-27
Oriental ConsolersS. S. TimesJohn 11:17-27
Our Treatment of the PromisesC. H. Spurgeon.John 11:17-27
Restoration Better Titan PreventionJ. Matthews.John 11:17-27
Salvation, not from Suffering, But by ItBp. Huntington.John 11:17-27
The Believer CatechizedC. H. Spurgeon.John 11:17-27
The Consolation of the TextJ. Culross, D. D., New Handbook of Illustrations.John 11:17-27
The Consolations of Christ Adapted to She State and Character of His PeopleR. S. Candlish, D. D.John 11:17-27
The Identity of the Earthly and the Heavenly LifeA. P. Peabody, D. D.John 11:17-27
The Imperfection of Spiritual QualitiesJ. Donne, D. D.John 11:17-27
The Interview with MarthaT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 11:17-27
The JourneyJ. Culross.John 11:17-27
The Master AdvocateJ. Trapp.John 11:17-27
The Mystery of the ResurrectionSir T. Browne.John 11:17-27
The Philosophy of Christian HopeDean Perowne., C. H. Spurgeon.John 11:17-27
The Power of God to Prevent DeathN. Emmons, D. D.John 11:17-27
The ResurrectionArchdeacon Manning.John 11:17-27
The Resurrection and the LifeJ. Parsons.John 11:17-27
Martha's FaithB. Thomas John 11:21-27
The Living and Life-Giving LordJ.R. Thomson John 11:25, 26
People
Caiaphas, Didymus, Jesus, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, Thomas
Places
Bethany, Ephraim, Jerusalem, Judea
Topics
Believes, Believeth, Believing, Dead, Die, Died, Dies, Faith, Myself, Resurrection, Rising, Though, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 11:25

     1080   God, living
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2203   Christ, titles of
     4018   life, spiritual
     5263   communication
     8402   claims
     9105   last things

John 11:1-44

     5285   cures
     9165   restoration

John 11:17-32

     5737   sisters

John 11:17-44

     5745   women

John 11:24-26

     9315   resurrection, of believers

John 11:25-26

     2426   gospel, responses
     2560   Christ, resurrection
     5288   dead, the
     5467   promises, divine
     5598   victory, over spiritual forces
     5797   bereavement, comfort in
     6203   mortality
     6645   eternal life, nature of
     6646   eternal life, gift
     8106   assurance, nature of
     9022   death, believers

John 11:25-27

     2425   gospel, requirements
     8022   faith, basis of salvation

Library
March 28 Evening
Our friend sleepeth.--JOHN 11:11. I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. If the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. But now is Christ risen from the
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 6 Morning
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.--COL. 3:4. I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.--God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 11 Evening
Jesus wept.--JOHN 11:35. A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.--We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.--It became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.--Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 22 Evening
Behold how he loved.--JOHN 11:36. He died for all.--Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. He . . . liveth to make intercession for them.--I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there ye may be also.--Father, I will that they whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.--Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. We love him, because he first loved loved us.--The
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 30 Evening
Thou hearest me always.--JOHN 11:42. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.--Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.--Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.--Not my will, but thine, be done. As he is, so are we in this world.--This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us. Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Christ's Question to Each
For the Young '... Believest then this? She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord.'--JOHN xi. 26, 27. As each of these annual sermons which I have preached for so long comes round, I feel more solemnly the growing probability that it may be the last. Like a man nearing the end of his day's work, I want to make the most of the remaining moments. Whether this is the last sermon of the sort that I shall preach or not, it is certainly the last of the kind that some of you will hear from me, or possibly from any
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Open Grave at Bethany
'Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met Him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Seventh Miracle in John's Gospel --The Raising of Lazarus
'And when Jesus thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, Come forth. 44. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin.'--JOHN xi. 43, 44. The series of our Lord's miracles before the Passion, as recorded in this Gospel, is fitly closed with the raising of Lazarus. It crowns the whole, whether we regard the greatness of the fact, the manner of our Lord's working, the minuteness and richness of the accompanying details,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Caiaphas
'And one of them, named Caiaphas being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.'--JOHN xi. 49,50. The resurrection of Lazarus had raised a wave of popular excitement. Any stir amongst the people was dangerous, especially at the Passover time, which was nigh at hand, when Jerusalem would be filled with crowds of men, ready to take fire from any spark
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Delays of Love
'Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When He had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was.'--JOHN xi. 5, 6. We learn from a later verse of this chapter that Lazarus had been dead four days when Christ reached Bethany. The distance from that village to the probable place of Christ's abode, when He received the message, was about a day's journey. If, therefore, to the two days on which He abode still after the receipt of the news, we
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Miracles no Remedy for Unbelief.
"And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke Me? and how long will it be ere they believe Me, for all the signs which I have showed among them?"--Numbers xiv. 11. Nothing, I suppose, is more surprising to us at first reading, than the history of God's chosen people; nay, on second and third reading, and on every reading, till we learn to view it as God views it. It seems strange, indeed, to most persons, that the Israelites should have acted as they did, age after age, in
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
Jesus is talking of the death of His friend, let us listen to His words; perhaps we may find the key to His actions in the words of His lips. How surprising! He does not say, "I regret that I have tarried so long." He does not say, "I ought to have hastened, but even now it is not too late." Hear, and marvel! Wonder of wonders, He says, "I am glad that I was not there." Glad! the word is out of place? Lazarus, by this time, stinketh in his tomb,and here is the Saviour glad! Martha and Mary are weeping
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

Beloved, and yet Afflicted
We need not be astonished that the man whom the Lord loves is sick, for he is only a man. The love of Jesus does not separate us from the common necessities and infirmities of human life. Men of God are still men. The covenant of grace is not a charter of exemption from consumption, or rheumatism, or asthma. The bodily ills, which come upon us because of our flesh, will attend us to the tomb, for Paul saith, "we that are in this body do groan." Those whom the Lord loves are the more likely to be
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

Though He were Dead
Martha, you see, in this case, when the Lord Jesus Christ told her that her brother would rise again, replied, "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." She was a type, I say, of certain anxious believers, for she set a practical bound to the Saviour's words. "Of course there will be a resurrection, and then my brother will rise with the rest." She concluded that the Saviour could not mean anything beyond that. The first meaning and the commonest meaning that suggests
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 30: 1884

Even Now
"Even now."--John 11:22 I HOPE that there are a great many persons here who are interested in the souls of those around them. We shall certainly never exercise faith concerning those for whose salvation we have no care. I trust, also, that we are diligent in looking after individuals, especially those who are amongst our own family and friends. This is what Martha did; her whole care was for her brother. It is often easier to have faith that Christ can save sinners in general, than to believe that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Oh, How He Loves!
"Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!"--John 11:36. IT WAS AT THE GRAVE OF LAZARUS that Jesus wept, and his grief was so manifest to the onlookers that they said, "Behold how he loved him!" Most of us here, I trust, are not mere onlookers, but we have a share in the special love of Jesus. We see evidences of that love, not in his tears, but in the precious blood that he so freely shed for us; so we ought to marvel even more than those Jews did at the love of Jesus, and to see further into
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 56: 1910

The Welcome visitor
IT seems that Martha had heard of Christ's coming, and Mary had not. Hence Martha rose up hastily and went to meet the Master, while Mary sat still in the house. From this we gather that genuine believers may, through some unexplained cause, be at the same time in very different states of mind. Martha may have heard of the Lord and seen the Lord; and Mary, an equally loving heart, not having known of his presence, may, therefore, have missed the privilege of fellowship with him. Who shall say that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

The Displeasure of Jesus.
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.--John xi. 33. Grimm, in his lexicon to the New Testament, after giving as the equivalent of the word [Greek: embrimaomai] in pagan use, 'I am moved with anger,' 'I roar or growl,' 'I snort at,' 'I am vehemently angry or indignant with some one,' tells us that in Mark i. 43, and Matthew ix. 30, it has a meaning different from that of the pagans, namely, 'I command with
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Disciple, -- Master, what is the Real Meaning of Service? is it that We...
The Disciple,--Master, what is the real meaning of service? Is it that we serve the Creator and then His creatures for His sake? Is the help of man, who is after all but a mere worm, of any value to God in caring for His great family, or does God stand in need of the help of man in protecting or preserving any of His creatures? The Master,--1. Service means the activity of the spiritual life and is the natural offering prompted by love. God, who is Love, is ever active in the care of His creation,
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

How to Make Use of Christ as the Life, when the Believer is So Sitten-Up in the Ways of God, that He Can do Nothing.
Sometimes the believer is under such a distemper of weakness and deadness, that there is almost no commanded duty that he can go about; his heart and all is so dead, that he cannot so much as groan under that deadness. Yea, he may be under such a decay, that little or no difference will be observed betwixt him and others that are yet in nature; and be not only unable to go actively and lively about commanded duties, yea, or to wrestle from under that deadness; but also be so dead, that he shall scarce
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Of the Intimate Love of Jesus
When Jesus is present all is well and nothing seemeth hard, but when Jesus is not present everything is hard. When Jesus speaketh not within, our comfort is nothing worth, but if Jesus speaketh but a single word great is the comfort we experience. Did not Mary Magdalene rise up quickly from the place where she wept when Martha said to her, The Master is come and calleth for thee?(1) Happy hour when Jesus calleth thee from tears to the joy of the spirit! How dry and hard art thou without Jesus!
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree.
(Jerusalem and Ephraim in Judæa.) ^D John XI. 47-54. ^d 47 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council [called a meeting of the Sanhedrin], and said, What do we? [Thus they reproach one another for having done nothing in a present and urgent crisis. As two of their number (Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathæa) were afterwards in communications with Christians, it was easy for the disciples to find out what occurred on this notable occasion.] for this man doeth many signs.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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