I AM the Resurrection and the Life

Ps Graeme Hotter

Sunday Morning’s message 29th June 2025

citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=542mTDQxb1E&t=4s

Jesus Raises the Dead

John 11:25-26 " Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

John 11:38–44 "Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

The question He asked Martha— “Do you believe this?”—echoes through the ages to us. He invites us not just to believe in a resurrection one day, but to know the power of resurrection today.

Jesus makes a powerful declaration before performing an even greater demonstration—raising Lazarus from the dead. This was no ordinary healing; Lazarus had been dead four days. Jesus showed that His authority extends not just over sickness, but over death itself.

This statement made by Jesus that He was the resurrection and the life, seems unusual, but here we see Jesus declaring that He was in fact God. ‘I AM’ is an official title given to God alone. He said I am the resurrection and the life.

Discuss

• Why do you think Jesus waited until Lazarus had been dead for four days?

• How do you interpret Jesus’ question: “Do you believe this?”

  
  

Christ in You

Colossians 1:26–27 “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

The Gospel is not only about being saved from something, but also into something far greater.  We, mere humans, with all our flaws are also filled with God when we are in union with Christ, just as Jesus was. We have within us the resurrected Christ. We too are filled with God. This is not just when we get to heaven one day, it is for this day. “Do you believe this?”

God’s plan all along was not just to bring people to heaven, but to bring heaven into people. Christ in you is the glory and the power of God alive within. This mystery, once hidden, is now revealed—and we are the carriers of it. The Resurrection is not only an event to believe in but a power to experience daily.

Discuss

• What does “Christ in you” mean to you personally?

• How can we become more aware of this reality in everyday life?

• What do you think prevents Christians from living in the power of resurrection life?

  
  

Ephesians 1:18–21 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God places all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”

Paul prayed not for the Church to gain more power, but to see what we already have. The very power that raised Christ from the dead now lives in us. This power exceeds any earthly force or authority—it’s immeasurable. This power raised Christ from the depths of Hell, passed through this world and ascended Him into heaven and seated Him at the right hand of the Father, far above all principalities and powers. Yet we often live unaware of it, settling for survival instead of victorious living. This prayer opens our eyes to who we really are in Christ.

Discuss

• What stands out to you in Paul’s prayer (in Ephesians)?

• How does resurrection power differ from human strength or willpower?

• Have you ever seen or experienced God’s resurrection power in action?

  
  

A Renewed Mind, A Greater Vision

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Living in resurrection power requires a renewed mind. Often, we think too small—about ourselves, our future, and even about God.  We need a bigger revelation of the Resurrected Christ.  With a bigger vision of Him it will cause us to believe for bigger things and pray bigger prayers. Exceedingly abundant prayers. “Do you believe this?” The enemy clouds our vision and fills our minds with distractions, but the Holy Spirit wants to bring clarity and bold faith. As we renew our minds through the Word, our capacity to live in Christ’s power increases, and our vision expands.

Discuss

• What does renewing your mind look like practically in your week?

• Have you ever had a moment where your vision of God felt upgraded?

  
  

Believe for Bigger Things

2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

We are not impressive vessels—but we carry an immense treasure. The glorified Christ now lives in ordinary, fragile people. This power isn’t about our qualifications or ability—it’s about God’s grace and glory. We’re called not to hide this treasure but to release it. When we are weak, He shows Himself strong. He still sets people free, heals, and speaks today—through us.

Discuss

• In what ways have you seen God’s power shine through your weakness?

• How can you become more available for God to work through you?

  
  

Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”

God invites us to think, ask, and believe bigger—because His power in us is not small. Resurrection power is not just for getting by; it’s for seeing lives changed, bodies healed, strongholds broken, and dreams fulfilled. We limit God not by His capacity but by our belief. Faith lifts the ceiling off what’s possible. As Jesus still asks, “Do you believe this?”, let’s answer with bold prayers and confident expectation.

Discuss

• Where in your life have you been thinking too small?

• What bold thing do you feel led to believe God for today?

Final Reflection

Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…”

Paul’s passion wasn’t just to know about Jesus, but to know Him—to experience the power that raised Him. That power is not distant, it’s in us now. Let’s live like it. Let’s shake off the grave clothes of small thinking, fear, and passivity. Let’s step into the abundant resurrection life Jesus won for us. This is the Gospel: Christ in you, the hope of glory.