The Resurrection and the Life

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?’” John 11: 26-27 (NIV)

Jesus is in Lazarus’ home. Lazarus has died; his sisters are in mourning. The Master comforts the sisters.

The Lord says something to Martha that she doesn’t fully understand. Her brother will rise again. She knows Lazarus will rise ‘in the resurrection at the last day.’

Jesus then explains that He Himself is that resurrection. He further states that any who believe in Him will live, although that person will die a physical death. He explains that ‘whoever lives and believes in Him will never die.’

What does this mean to us who live in this 21st Century world? I see several thoughts in this passage:

● “He who believes in me”- Belief carries with it the factors of trust and faith.

● “. . . will live,”-Those who believe will become spiritual beings. The will live with God in heaven.

● “. . . even though he dies;” The person, in order to gain the resurrected body suitable for heaven, must go through a separation of his or her physical body.

● “. . . and whoever lives and believes in me” Anyone who abides in Christ. All who live for Him and trust Him.

● “. . . will never die.” Those who live for Jesus will never die. The will live with God forever.

Jesus then asks a question- one that is as pertinent to us as it was in the first Century, “Do you believe this?” As I read this inquiry, I see the emphasis can go on three different words. “Do you believe this?” This reading points to us as individuals, and makes this personal. “Do you believe this?” An interpretation of the action we chose to take or what we do with the information. “Do you believe this?” The meaning here seems to direct us to the facts of who Jesus is. As I understand the question, we have to deal with each meaning before we can experience spiritual growth. What do you think?