This sermon explores the story of Lazarus, emphasizing that God's timing and ways may not align with our expectations, but He always fulfills our greatest hopes, urging us to trust and love as Jesus did.
The story of Lazarus is filled with emotions on the extremes: from extreme despair and sadness because of the death of a loved one, to extreme joy and wonder following a miracle which brought him back to life. It’s widely considered one of, if not the greatest miracle of all those that Jesus performed.
The story of Lazarus foreshadows Jesus’ death and resurrection. And Jesus’ story foreshadows our own story of life, death, and resurrection. It is a life cycle we cannot avoid, and because of Christ, we need not fear. Just as He was there to welcome Lazarus from the tomb, He is there for us as well. Waiting to greet us into a new life with Him.
Just as He was there to welcome Lazarus from the tomb, He is there for us as well. Waiting to greet us into a new life with Him.
Right off the bat, John emphasizes Jesus’ love for others. Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, was sick. Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus knew this family well and loved them very deeply. “So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick’” (11:3). “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus" (11:5).
It’s interesting that the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke tend to emphasize the kingdom of God. The gospel of John tends to emphasize the loving community of God. They are, of course, the same! We cannot have the kingdom of God without the loving community of God, because “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
An important point here is that Jesus seldom meets our expectations but he fulfills our greatest hopes ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium
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