I Am The Resurrection and the Life

1
I Am The Resurrection and the Life

• Series Jesus claim to deity

2
Introduction

• Up to this point in Johns gospel is Jesus claim
  of deity primarily to His detractors
• I Am the Bread of Life the giver/sustainer of
  eternal life.
• I Am the Light of the world who leads the way
  and is the source of salvation.
• I am the Door and the Good Shepherd also the
  way and source of salvation.

3
Introduction

• The final I am statements Jesus now makes His
  claim are primarily among His disciples.
• Jesus wants His followers to have the conviction
  of who He is, even if they are not fully
  comprehending the fullness of His claims.
• These claims are meant to build the faith of His
  disciples before He leaves them to rule from
  heaven. Cp. 1 Pet. 321-22

4
The Resurrection and Life of Lazarus

• Background to Lazarus.
• Bethany about 1 ¾ miles (est. 30-45 minute walk)
  east of Jerusalem. This is also the city where
  Lazarus and his sisters (Mary and Martha) are
  from.
• Currently, Jesus and His disciples are in Perea
  beyond the Jordan. Jn. 1040, 117

5
The Resurrection and Life of Lazarus

• Background to Lazarus.
• Significant events precipitated Jesus love for
  him and his sisters
• Martha had previously invited Jesus to eat with
  her and Mary in their home.
• Mary a sinner anoints Jesus feet with costly
  perfume. Jn. 121-11 (Matt 26613 Mark 1439
  Luke 73739)

6
The Resurrection and Life of Lazarus

• Jesus uses Lazarus sickness to strengthen the
  faith of His disciples.
• Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters. Jn. 113, 5,
  36-38
• But wanted to use this occasion to glorify God.
  Jn. 114ff
• He lingers two days before making His way from
  Perea to Bethany (in Judea). Jn. 116
• Lazarus had been dead four days by the time
  Lazarus is resurrected back to life. Jn. 1117

7
The Claim of Jesus I Am The Resurrection and
the Life

• This was also another opportunity to reveal His
  true nature of His deity. Jn. 114b
• Jesus had previously spoken to the multitudes,
  particularly His detractors, about the nature of
  His deity.
• I am the bread of life. Jn. 635
• I am the light of the world. Jn. 812
• I am the doorgood shepherd. Jn. 107-11

8
The Claim of Jesus I Am The Resurrection and
the Life

• This was also another opportunity to reveal His
  true nature of His deity. Jn. 114b
• In each case He coupled a great sign that would
  testify of who He is and where He came from.
• Feeding of the 5,000. Jn. 61ff
• Healing of the blind man. 91ff Jn. 1021

9
The Claim of Jesus I Am The Resurrection and
the Life

• The Jews belief about the resurrection.
• Many (excluding the Sadducees) believed in the
  resurrection, including Martha. Jn. 1120-23
  (Acts 236-8)
• Mary understood that in the last day believers
  would be resurrected unto life. Jn. 1124 (Dan.
  121-2 Isa. 2619)

10
The Claim of Jesus I Am The Resurrection and
the Life

• Jesus claim I am the Resurrection and the life.
• Jesus takes Marthas answer (v. 24) and makes His
  claim to being the source of the resurrection and
  life. Jn. 1125
• Martha even if not fully comprehending what
  Jesus is saying very readily accepts Jesus
  claim to being the ChristHe who comes into the
  world. Jn. 1127
• Marthas response, quite clearly is in contrast
  with Jesus detractors. Jn. 666 859 1031
• Paradoxically/providentially, Lazarus
  resurrection and life, lead to Jesus death,
  resurrection, and life. Jn. 1147-53

11
Conclusion

• Jesus power to raise the physically dead makes
  His claim trustworthy for all believers to accept
  what He can do for us spiritually.
• Marthas belief is a great example for all
  believers to accept that Jesus is the Christ
  (Messiah) who gives salvation to all who believe
  in His name.