Read: John 11
Watch: The Chosen Season 4 Episode 7: The Last Sign https://watch.thechosen.tv/video/184683596184
Pray: Thank you, Resurrected One, for resurrecting me!
Many of His followers, including Lazarus, Martha, and Mary sat at the feet of Jesus. They listened with rapt attention, and at times, with puzzled looks and wonder.
They had heard Him declare, “I AM the Bread of life.” They shared meals with Him.
They experienced Him as He announced “I AM the Light.” They knew He was the Light from Heaven.
He told them, “I AM the Door.” They accepted His invitation to follow him and enter into relationship with Him.
They were filled with wonder and emotion as he told them, “I AM the Good Shepherd.” They were His sheep, and their Messiah-Shepherd had come for them.
Mary and Martha were in the depths of despair and mourning. Their beloved brother and care-giver had died. They had sent a message to Jesus. Why did He not come? Now, what were they to do?
When Jesus finally arrived, days later, He comforted both women, but in different ways. He told Martha, “Your brother will rise again.” She misunderstood and affirmed that Lazarus would rise in the end of time. Jesus proclaimed to her, “I AM the Resurrection and the Life.” He asked her if she believed. With Mary, He was angered by the crowds, but moved to compassion and wept with her.
Finally, foreshadowing what He Himself would later accomplish, Jesus cried out, “Lazarus, Come Out!” Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave!
Jesus IS the Resurrection and the Life! In Him there is no darkness! In Him there is no death! In Him there is no defeat! In the Great I AM, there is life, healing, deliverance, restoration and resurrection! For we who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation, only eternal life! Jesus IS our Resurrection and Life!
Discussion Questions:
Personal Reflection
- Have you ever experienced a time when you questioned God’s timing, like Mary and Martha did? How did that situation resolve?
- How does the statement “I AM the Resurrection and the Life” impact your understanding of Jesus and His role in your life?
Biblical and Theological Discussion
- How do the “I AM” statements of Jesus (Bread of Life, Light, Door, Good Shepherd, Resurrection and Life) help us understand who He is?
- What does it mean that Jesus wept, even though He knew He would raise Lazarus? What does this teach us about His heart?
Application to Life
- What areas of your life need Jesus’ resurrection power—where you need healing, restoration, or renewal?
- How can we live with the hope and confidence that Jesus has conquered death and darkness?