The fifth “I am” statement was made by Jesus Christ at the event of the death of his dear friend Lazarus. The death of Lazarus caused immense sadness to his sisters i.e. Mary and Martha and all the people who cared for and loved Lazarus. The deep sorrow experienced at the loss of someone is due to the void experienced within from the separation from this person, it “almost” seems like we will never be able to see or have the person as part of our lives again. I intentionally put the word “almost” in quote because Jesus Christ proves to us in the in the fifth “I am” statement that death is not the end of it all for those in Christ, we obtain victory over death through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Death for the faithful in the physical is but a temporal departure, we shall be reunited one day together in heaven.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

John 11:25

In the context of this scripture verse, Jesus Christ had arrived at Bethany where his friend Lazarus has been laid the in the tomb for four days. Upon Jesus’ arrival, he was met by Martha, the sister of Lazarus and this was the conversation that ensued between them:

²¹ “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. ²² But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” ²³ Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”²⁴ Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.

John 11:21-25

For this scripture verse study, I will discuss the fifth “I am” statements in three (3) parts: (1) I am (2) resurrection and (3) life

Jesus is the “I am” in all things

In that moment when Jesus arrived at Lazarus’s home, he was met with mourning and sorrows of the loved ones of Lazarus. Martha and Mary were heavily filled with sadness. Martha had some understanding about the power of Jesus yet did not foresee Jesus being able to raise his brother from the dead. Martha expressed that

“But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.””

John 11:22

Yet when Jesus affirmed her belief that her brother will be raised, she limited it to the future resurrection and not as an immediate expectation.

How often we quote Bible verses of God’s promises in difficult times, but our hearts of expectations are far from it. We know the word by heart, but we do not expect the word to bear its fruit in our lives. Here when Jesus said “I am” he meant it for both the present and future. In that moment what Martha needed was for his brother to be raised back to life and Jesus became the resurrection that brought Lazarus back to life.

In whatever challenge or situation, we may encounter, whether it is healing, provision, joy, strength, hope that we may need, Jesus Christ is the “I am” of all these things. May we always look to Jesus Christ and He will be all that we need and more.

Jesus is the resurrection

There are three (3) aspects of the resurrection i.e.: (1) the literal resurrection of the dead body that is to bring back life in a dead person e.g., Lazarus being raised from the dead, (2) resurrection of the spiritually dead (dead in sin/trespasses, alienated from God, (3) resurrection of the dead into their immortal forms in Christ on the last day (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)

In the fifth I am statement Jesus stated that He is the resurrection in all the three aspects of resurrection. But the main aspect of resurrection I would like to hone on is the resurrection from being spiritually dead in sins. In Romans 3:23, the word states that for all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, which means we are all spiritually dead, alienated from God because of our sins but when we believe in Jesus and obtain salvation in Him we are resurrected to be alive in the spirit. The faithful who believes in Christ are awaken to a new life in Him to abide in His righteousness and holiness 

It is my prayer that Jesus Christ will awaken all those who are dead in their trespasses and quicken their spirits to become alive in God.

New life in God

Our new life after Christ has revived us is not the same old life rather is a new life given to us through Jesus Christ to live eternally with the Lord. This life is not our own but Christ’s, we offer it then with humble and yielded hearts to be Lord to live for Him. This new life abounds with God’s grace and blessings. We receive the Spirit of God in this new life to help and guide us into all truth.

It is only in Christ Jesus that we find resurrection and true life. Jesus Christ who died and arose again, it is by believing in Him alone that we rise to a new life in Him.

Beloved in Christ, I am praying that this fifth “I am” statement will quicken your faith to seek God and also abide in Him as your resurrection and your life always. Be blessed and always remember that Jesus Christ dearly loves you for He died on the cross of calvary to save you.