Life over Death
John 11:1-44
Several promises in today’s passage … excellent faith builder
Read John 11:1-44 / Pray
Point 1 - Jesus is our Friend (1-16)
Jesus receives word that Lazarus is sick; intimacy of relationship in v3
But, Jesus gives a promise (v4); shows His thinking is far deeper
No one could’ve known what was to come – so they accepted on surface
APP: Their understanding of Jesus’ words was “he’ll be alright”
So, they travel from Perea (probably) to Bethany (several days’ worth)
Re: Travel would’ve been during the daylight hours (safety, etc.)
Promise (v9-10) that anyone who walks in daylight will not stumble
While en route, their thinking again is on the surface only (v11-12)
They think he needs sleep; but Jesus confirms that Lazarus has died
Interestingly enough, Thomas has a different take on this trip
His name (Didymus) means twin; nothing is known about his sibling
v16: We might as well go and die also …
Point 2 - Jesus is Life (17-37)
Upon arrival, we would expect the normal funeral sadness
In v21, Martha even allows her grief to spill out as a near rebuke
But Jesus’s response is always one of comfort to those He loves
Martha confirms her knowledge of the OT promise of resurrection
His response is one of the most known in the Bible (v25)
It is a promise that we each have to hold onto
Begs the question: “What happens after death?”
-- there is s certainty of life with Christ for those who are His
-- but, must we wait until He returns to be with Him?
-- 2 Cor 5:8, “to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord”
v27 Martha accepts what is said, puts her faith fully in Christ
She knows that He holds the key to life everlasting; there is no doubt in her
Jesus is then taken to the burial site by the sisters
Along the way, something unique happens that we must note
Jesus is moved in His spirit, embrimaomai (anger over sin and death)
He is also troubled, etaraxen (agitation over the grief He sees)
APP: His heart is troubled, and this grief causes Him to weep
The Jews noted this (v36); but didn’t fully understand the reasons (above)
They simply viewed it as human grief, missing the full meaning
They practically taunt Him (v37); again, not contemplating the meaning
Point 3 - Jesus is Power (38-44)
Obviously after four days there would be an unpleasant aroma
Martha knew this, and was bound on them not experiencing it
But Jesus, gives her another promise to hold onto:
If you believe, you will see the glory of God (v40)
With the stone removed, notice what Jesus does – He prays
Now, was this necessary? No. But look at why He does it (v42)
For the benefit of those who will hear – that they may know it
What a tremendous encouragement for us today … that we would believe
We either believe all the Jesus is – or none of it; no middle ground
He then, after giving God glory, calls Lazarus out
Now, what this must’ve sounded in eternity … wow; Re: Carmen, “Lazarus”
With all of the authority given to Him, he displays God’s power
Big Idea
APP: Death is not the end! It can’t be, lest how could this happen?
If Lazarus, at death, was just finished … where would he be to be risen?
How could someone who ceases to exist come back to life?
The power of God, when displayed, can cause the deepest doubt to erase
It can bring to life even the most bitter of hearts; cause faith to be birthed
When Lazarus came forth – how deep do you think the disciple’s faith became?
Knowing this truth … how deep does it grow YOUR faith? / Pray
