When Jesus spoke to Martha about her brother Lazarus, who had died, He made a profound statement: "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). Martha believed that Jesus was too late to save Lazarus. She thought that if Jesus had arrived earlier, He might have been able to heal her brother. However, Jesus was trying to convey a deeper truth—He had the power to resurrect the dead.

Martha struggled to grasp this concept, thinking that the resurrection would only occur at the end of times. But Jesus emphasized that He is the resurrection and the life now, stating, "The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die" (John 11:25-26).

The Apostle Paul echoed this sentiment when he said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). With this understanding, believers realize they have nothing to fear, not even death. If we die in Christ, we are promised resurrection. This assurance can lead to a fearless life, empowering us to face any circumstance with courage.

God places before us the choice between life and death and instructs us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). Jesus is life—He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). By choosing Jesus, we embrace the Word of God. This choice involves meditating on, studying, and declaring the written Word, which is all about Jesus.

Understanding that Jesus is the resurrection and the life should settle our fears and anxieties. Even if we face death, we are promised resurrection, either back into this life or into eternal life. Jesus transcends everything in this world, including our emotions. Therefore, we can be anxious for nothing, knowing that in Christ, all things work together for our good (Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 8:28).

Jesus assured us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The greater One lives within us, making us victorious over any challenge (1 John 4:4). Even demons must bow to the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10). This realization calls us to press into our relationship with Christ, recognizing His preeminence over everything in this world.

Jesus’ declaration that He is the resurrection and the life is powerful and life-giving. It dispels fear, brings healing, and offers us eternal life. As believers, we can stand firm in who Jesus is and trust in His resurrection power, no matter what we face.

Scriptures Used:

1. John 11:25-26 - "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.'"
2. Philippians 1:21 - "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
3. Deuteronomy 30:19 - "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."
4. John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
5. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
6. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
7. John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
8. 1 John 4:4 - "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
9. Philippians 2:10 - "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."

By understanding and embracing these truths, we can live a life free of fear, anchored in the powerful reality of Jesus' resurrection and life.