I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26)

Outline: John 11:25-26

1. Explain John 11:25-26
2. See John 11:25-26 in light of the little story in which it is embedded 
3. See John 11:25-26 in light of the big story of human history

Summary: Lazarus died so that God might be gloried when Jesus raised him from the dead (11:4).  The story makes it clear that, in God's providence,  Lazarus' death provided a context for Jesus to tell us that He is the resurrection and the life and to prove it by raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus says He is both the means of getting to heaven and the destination itself. Through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we are promised life beyond the grave and escape from the second death.

Discussion Questions:

• How does Jesus think about and respond to the news of Lazarus' illness and death? What might this teach us about how we should think about and respond to God's providence in our lives?
• What is the general resurrection alluded to by Martha (11:24; cf. John 5:28-29; Dan. 12:2; Acts 24:15). 
• What are some of the other "I Am" statements and what do they have in common?
• What is the meaning of the statement "I am the resurrection and the life"?
• What promises does Jesus make in vv.25-26?
• What condition must be met in order to enjoy the promises?
• To whom does Jesus offer these promises? 
• How does the resurrection of Lazarus relate to Jesus' resurrection and our resurrection?

Application Questions:

• How aware am I of God's providence in the circumstances of my life? 
• What effect should the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead have on my faith? 

Prayer Points:

• Praise God for drawing you into the arms of His Son so that you would be raised with Him on the last day.
• Praise Jesus for being both the means of getting to heaven and the destination itself.
• Ask God to help your faith and hope and joy be more fully shaped by the glorious reality of the resurrection.
• Ask God for courage to tell others that, through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, there is hope of life beyond the grave and escape from the second death.