I am the resurrection and the life
The words I am the resurrection and the life are part of a pictorial speech of Jesus ( Jn 11.25 EU ). They are part of a series of seven “I am” words of Jesus that are recorded in the Gospel according to John .
Context and content
The figurative speech is handed down as part of the account of the raising of Lazarus . When Jesus came to Bethany , where he was called because of the illness of Lazarus, Lazarus had already been dead four days. His sister Martha therefore complained to Jesus that he would still be alive if Jesus had been there, but she also confessed her belief in it that God would give Jesus what He asks. When Jesus then assured her that Lazarus would be resurrected , Martha replied that she knew very well that he would be resurrected at the resurrection on the last day . Then Jesus spoke the "I am" word:
"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live even if he dies; and whoever lives there and believes in me will never die. Do you think the?"
Martha then confirmed Jesus' question and that he was the Christ . As a result (verses 28–44), Jesus eventually brought Lazarus back to life.
interpretation
Through this “I am” word, Jesus shows that in his person the hope for the future resurrection of the dead, which the Pharisees also had in his day, for example, is fulfilled. Through him it already becomes accessible and effective for all who turn to him in faith. Martha's answer represents an unconditional commitment that the hope of the Jewish people will be fulfilled in Jesus Christ . Through the revelation of Jesus and the content of Martha's confession, the problem of the physical death of Lazarus is in fact eliminated and an earthly restoration of the dead is basically unnecessary. Nevertheless, Jesus will resurrect Lazarus (also in this world) and thereby set the sign.
reception
Heinrich Schütz composed the sacred music Ich bin die Auferstehung und das Leben (SWV 342) and Dieterich Buxtehude composed the cantata Ich bin die Auferstehung und das Leben (BuxWV 44).
Individual evidence
- ↑ Stuttgart Explanatory Bible. 2nd edition, German Bible Society, Stuttgart 1992, ISBN 3-438-01121-2 , p. 1351