March 16 John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’”
Commentary:
This passage is part of Jesus’ conversation with Martha after the death of her brother Lazarus. It is one of the most profound declarations in the Gospel of John, encapsulating both the hope of resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
1. “I am the resurrection and the life” – The Divine Authority of Jesus
• Jesus does not merely offer resurrection or point to the way of life—He is the source of both.
• This is the fifth of Jesus’ seven “I AM” statements in John, affirming His divine nature (cf. Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM”).
• It reveals that eternal life is not just an event or future hope but a present reality in Christ.
2. “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” – The Hope of Resurrection
• Jesus speaks of physical death but promises that believers will ultimately be raised to life.
• This is a foreshadowing of His own resurrection and the resurrection of all who belong to Him (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
• It reassures believers that death is not the end but a passage into eternal life with God.
3. “Everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” – The Gift of Eternal Life
• This refers to spiritual life. While believers may face physical death, their souls are secure in Christ.
• Eternal life begins the moment one believes—not just after death.
• It echoes John 3:16, emphasizing that faith in Christ grants eternal life.
4. “Do you believe this?” – A Personal Call to Faith
• Jesus challenges Martha (and us) to personally respond to this truth.
• Faith is not just intellectual agreement but a personal trust in Jesus.
• Martha responds in verse 27 with a powerful confession: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
Application for Today:
• Faith in Christ conquers death – Physical death is not the final word; resurrection is coming.
• Eternal life starts now – Believers already partake in new life in Christ.
• Jesus is the only source of true life – Hope, peace, and eternal security are found only in Him.
• A call to belief – Jesus’ question is personal: “Do you believe this?” Faith in Him is the key to life beyond death.
This passage remains one of the greatest assurances of the Christian faith: In Christ, death has lost its sting, and life is eternal.
The all ready not yet understanding of Jesus’ proclamation makes sense to me when I think of “owning” our house. If any one asks “ Do you rent or own” The answer is “We own.” We say this even if we still owe $10,000 or $100,000 to the bank! Eternal life begins when we except and begin to follow Jesus as “new creatures.” Yet it won’t be complete until it “end” in our physical death.
How do you understand eternal life?
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