Jesus Is the Resurrection and the Life

July 5th, 2026 - John 11:1-44

Sermon - Pastor Scott Thompson

John 11:1-44 is often remembered as the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. While that miracle is certainly remarkable, the passage points us to something far greater. The true focus is not Lazarus, but Jesus Christ Himself. This miracle reveals that Jesus has absolute authority over both life and death because He is the resurrection and the life.

When Jesus delayed His arrival after hearing that Lazarus was sick, it was not because He lacked compassion. In fact, the text tells us that He loved Lazarus and his sisters. His delay was purposeful so that the glory of God would be displayed and that people would believe in Him. Jesus was not reacting to circumstances. He was carrying out the Father's perfect plan.

One of the most significant moments in this passage comes when Martha expresses her confidence that Lazarus will rise again in the resurrection on the last day. Jesus responds with one of the clearest declarations of His divine identity: "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" (John 11:25-26, ESV).

Notice that Jesus did not merely say He could bring about the resurrection. He declared that He is the resurrection and the life. Eternal life is found in a Person, not simply in an event. The resurrection is possible because Christ Himself is the source of life. He has authority to give life because all life belongs to Him.

When Jesus stood before Lazarus's tomb and commanded, "Lazarus, come out," death had no choice but to obey its Creator. The same voice that spoke creation into existence spoke life into a dead man. This miracle was a visible demonstration that Jesus possesses divine authority over the grave.

Yet even Lazarus's resurrection pointed beyond itself. Lazarus would eventually die again. Jesus was revealing that He came to conquer death itself through His own death and resurrection. Everyone who places their faith in Christ receives eternal life because He defeated the power of sin and death forever.

This passage calls each of us to answer the same question Jesus asked Martha: "Do you believe this?" Saving faith is not merely believing that Jesus performed miracles. It is believing that He is the Son of God, the only Savior, and the One who alone has authority over life, death, and eternity.

As always, we encourage everyone to check everything through the lens of the Scriptures. Be like the noble Bereans of Paul's day, who searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Please visit us here for much more, and remember, Christ is enough.

We look forward to seeing you next Sunday, and until we meet again...lets go serve our King!

FRF Family