The purpose of these pages is to engage in some group bible-study (This week – “I am the Resurrection and the Life”) focussing specifically on the mid-week period of Tuesday to Thursday. We will post some scripture verses, and a few thoughts before throwing the conversation over to you. This is not a teaching session, use the prompts (and Google) to explore scripture and share relevant verses. Log in to the conversation as often or as infrequently as you like and if you wish to join in put your thoughts in the comments box at the bottom of the page.
The right frame of mind
Before you start to dive into this week’s bible-study, take a few moments to calm your spirit. Get comfortable with your beverage of choice, your Bible and something to write with. Pray that God would give you the time to study and put to one side the concerns of the day. Breathe deeply for a few seconds and focus on who Jesus said he was….
I am the Resurrection and the Life
25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. John 11
This time we are looking at the last of the ‘I am’ statements of Jesus mentioned in John’s Gospel.
- “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51) As bread sustains physical life, so Christ offers and sustains spiritual life.
- “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) To a world lost in darkness, Christ offers Himself as a guide.
- “I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9) Jesus protects His followers as shepherds protect their flocks from predators.
- “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) Death is not the final word for those in Christ.
- “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14) Jesus is committed to caring and watching over those who are His.
- “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Jesus is the source of all truth and knowledge about God.
- “I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5) By attached ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us. Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honour the Father.
Borrowed from the TNBibles website
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Take a few moments and read the full story of Lazarus to put the ‘I am’ in context. Note: Jesus interrupts the ‘ would have’s’ with a statement of fact ‘I am…..’ What is the significance of this in the ‘here and now’? Resurrection is something we tend to associate with the future, whilst life we tend to associate with now. Jesus’ comment to Martha is about power / ability now. Not some promise about future life – He demonstrates the power with a dramatic summoning of Lazarus from the tomb. A contrast to the relatively private and quiet raising of Jairus’ daughter.
Resurrection
A belief in resurrection is critical the the faith of the believer. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians (15:12-14) ties our resurrection to Christ’s. Without one there can’t be the other. It is always a challenge, that faith in the resurrection of the early church was so great that thousands were martyred rather that speak out against Christ.
Jesus finishes the statement with ‘Do you believe this?’ What does this say about the significance of our belief. It is critical to the outcome. Do you believe this—that believing in Jesus with your mind, and trusting Him with your life will allow you to have everlasting life? What difference does it make in your life, now?
Read this passage in conjunction with John 1 – Who is the word?
The life
Through Jesus all things are made and held together. Jesus said ‘I am the life’ – what does this say about our day-to-day lives. Have you ever wondered about your purpose, why am I here? Do you have meaning? What is the significance day-to-day of Jesus getting involved in our lives? Read 1 Cor 15:51-58 – This passage speaks of an end times resurrection, but has clear things to say about our purpose and life today – ‘Always give yourself fully’
Following: It has been said that life is a journey – I am the Way… I am the light – do we detect a recurring theme – Psalm 119 v105 read the verses on either side of 105. What the implications of ‘your word’ in the light of John 1. – If Jesus is the one holding the whole of creation together, what does that suggest about his ability to manage our lives, if we let Him. True meaning in life and divinely appointed purpose comes when we follow and walk with the creator.
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Forest Image by SplitShire