We’ve been looking at references where Jesus claimed to be the “I Am.” In John 11 we read that Jesus heard Lazarus was sick. He chose not to visit before he died. He told His disciples in verses 14-15, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
The disciples were confused, but they did go with Him. When He got to Bethany, Martha, Lazarus’ sister, met Him and remonstrated Him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus replied, “Your brother will rise again.” She answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Then in verse 25 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?”
Martha believed Jesus was who He claimed to be, but had a hard time believing He would bring her brother back. If He came before Lazarus died He could have healed him. What Jesus wanted was for her to believe that He could not only heal, but also raise the dead, because He was the resurrection and the life. If He raised Lazarus on the spot, then she could trust Him to raise up all those who die as believers when He comes back for His own.
Remember, John begins his Gospel by declaring “In him was life,” (1:4). When we trust in Him He gives us life, life that is abundant, life that is eternal.
