I Am: Resurrection & Life
Notes
Transcript
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Introduction
Introduction
Over the past few years there has been an enormous amount of information about quantum theory. Because quantum means “the smallest discrete unit of a phenomenon” or the study of things very, very small, it is considered the most difficult aspect of physics.
If you have ever watched a PhD attempt to explain it you will notice that they must rely on everyday illustrations and objects to communicate what is not visible to the naked eye. In fact, many—all?—aspects of quantum studies are mere conjecture due to the inability of observing. They must rely on external evidence to qualify their understanding.
Understanding the Kingdom of God and its principles is difficult. Humans interact with the physical world, where the kingdom of God is spiritual in nature. We humans are limited in grasping the spirit nature. Knowing this, Jesus regularly used figurative speech—similes, metaphors, object lessons—to communicate these truths. He ordinarily used those things that were familiar to his audience.
The incredible revelation of Jesus as the one who gives eternal life is revealed against the backdrop of a physical death: Lazarus
Lazarus’ death and resurrection is the context
The irony in this passage is that Martha thought Jesus was talking about raising Lazarus in the end times, but Jesus was talking about now. Then, he pivots and speaks of spiritual resurrection and life.
Resurrection
Resurrection
He resurrected Lazarus from grave physically
He would rise from the grave physically himself never to return
In explaining what he means, Jesus noted that Christians will live and die. They will die physically, but life spiritually.
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
Life
Life
Not that Jesus has life, but that he is life
Christians have life because they have Jesus—and he IS life. There is no eternal life without Jesus, so walking with him is crucial to eternal security.
Do you believe this?
Do you believe this?
Believe is a powerful term, but it has lost its power through its usage
In the biblical sense, believe carries the elements of obedience, trust, hope, and faithfulness—faith!
Conclusion
Conclusion
Inevitably we all must make a decision. We must all decide what we will accept as truth.
Each person must choose. Jesus said he is the resurrection and the life, but the question he asked Mary still rings out: “Do you believe this?”