Jesus as God
Jesus Is the Resurrection and the Life
Martha already believes in a future resurrection at the last day; Jesus redirects the doctrine toward his own person.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Divine Identity
Divine Attributes
Authority over Life and Death
Unique Relationship with the Father
Gives Life
Raises the Dead
Grants Salvation
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
Vermeer
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Jesus tells Martha, 'I am the resurrection and the life,' and makes belief in himself the condition of life beyond death.
Historical and Cultural Context
Daniel 12:2 and later Jewish expectation provide the background for final resurrection.
Old Testament Background
Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 25:8; Isaiah 26:19 are important backgrounds.
Exposition
Jesus does not merely claim knowledge about resurrection or power delegated for one miracle. He identifies himself personally as resurrection and life.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The claim gathers John 5 and 6 into a concise declaration that final life is located in Jesus himself.
Response of the Hearers
Martha confesses Jesus as the Christ and Son of God who comes into the world.