The Two Groups of People in John 11:25-26

Today, I would like to talk to you about, “The Two Groups of People in John 11:25-26,” based on the following Scripture:

“Jesus said…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). Some of you would recall this passage from last week’s reflection, “The Question Martha Dodged.” Although it is the same passage, the insight I am going to share today is different.  

As the title suggests, in John 11:25-26, Jesus is addressing two distinct groups of people. The first group is mentioned in v. 25, and the second group in v. 26. We shall call the first group, The Resurrection Group, and the second group, The Life Group. Each one of us is in one of those groups. Understanding what Jesus meant in this passage will open a new chapter in how we interact with life or death. To make the analysis easier, we shall break down the passage into three (3) sections: a premise, and two separate conclusions arising from the premise.

Premise – “I am the resurrection, and the life.” What Jesus said here lays the foundation for what he said next. The premise can be further broken into two shorter statements: 1) “I am the resurrection,” and 2) “I am the life.” Here Christ reveals a two-fold power: the ability to raise those who die (sleep), as well as the ability to keep people alive so that they never taste death. This latter power means uninterrupted life represents the ideal and the norm, whereas resurrection from the dead is the exception.  

Conclusion 1 (The Resurrection Group) – “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live”: Here Christ is addressing those who ignorantly subscribe to the notion of death – and subsequently live under its shadow and illusive influence until the spell is broken (through an experience of illumination), and they finally awake to the truth of their immortality. This group suffers from death consciousness. For them, resurrection is a necessary antidote.

Conclusion 2 (The Life Group) – “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die”: These are the ones who have tasted the omnipotence of life, are fully awake to the truth of their immortality, and have overcome the lie called death. They have ‘seen’ the light of Christ in their own soul, and have no consciousness of death, only the consciousness of life. Hence, they shall never die. At times – by a simple act of will – such people can extend or shorten their visible appearance on earth as they please (cf. Philippians 1:22-23).

Resurrection is reserved for those who are oblivious of the power of life. Those who are spiritually awake, and have a revelation of life do not need a resurrection. In any case, whatever group you currently find yourself, Christ in you has your back because he is your resurrection, as well as your life.

With love and blessings!

Stevve