The fifth “I am” statement recorded in John is in chapter 11. After hearing about the death of Lazarus, Jesus and His disciples travel to Bethany. When He arrives, He meets Martha and in their conversation about the death of Lazarus, Jesus says in verse 25, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus doesn’t simply say that He will give resurrection and life, but that He is resurrection and life.[1] Jesus speaks these words in the context of raising Lazarus from the dead.[2] The “I am” statement in John 11 isn’t teaching about an idea but about a person; about Jesus’ identity and His relationship with His Father.[3] Jesus is shown to have power over death and life; Jesus exceeds our hope and brings a present reality to our victory over death.[4]

[1] Ibid.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Gary M. Burge, The NIV Application Commentary of John. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000), 325.

[4] Ibis, 326.