"The Raising Of Lazarus"

This Sermon Was Prepared For Lexington Church Of God for use Sunday Night April 7th, 2002

“The Raising Of Lazarus”

TEXT: John 11: 1-15 (NKJV)

INTRODUCTION:

A. I believe that there is more to this story of Jesus raising Lazarus from

the dead than most realize.

For this story demonstrates the true nature of Christ.

This story exemplifies His AUTHORITY over death and sin.

This story is about the manifestation of His far reaching POWER to

reach into the grave and raise up the dead.

B. I believe that this story is about more than Jesus having the power and

authority to raise this natural body.

I believe it also demonstrates His power to bring one from the depths of SIN’S Bondage

Now Let’s Take A Look At The Scriptures;

I. The Love Of Christ

A. In verses 3-5 Lazarus’ sisters send for Jesus.

1. You see Jesus had stayed in their home and they had enjoyed

the fellowship with Him on previous occasions.

2. They had come to LOVE Christ and they had come to realize

His love for them because; a. He had stayed in their home.

Jesus had lodged with them on several occasions and I believe

He had come into their home by invitation.

b. They had enjoyed and returned His fellowship

3. Those who FELLOWSHIP with Jesus become aware of

His LOVE.

a. They come to know the GLORY and the POWER of His Presence.

b. Those who share fellowship with Christ understand the reach of HIS LOVE

B. Jesus had passed through Bethany many times, but it was Lazarus and his sisters that invited Jesus to come into their home and into their lives.

1. They knew Him as "a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" and not as just some stranger passing through.

2. They had come to know His Love because they had sought His fellowship and His presence in their home.

C. Notice the invitation that Martha and Mary send unto Jesus.

John 11:3 (KJV) 3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord,behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

1. Anyone who invites Jesus into their heart and life will come to know His LOVE.

2. He loves the sinner even though the sinner does not return His love or acknowledge His love.

Romans 5:8 (KJV)8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

D. Now notice the Words of Jesus following this invitation to intervene.

John 11:5-6 (KJV)5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

1. At first thought, this sounds very strange:

“Now Jesus loved Martha, and Mary, and Lazarus.”

2. But when He heard that Lazarus was sick He did not rush over to Bethany to check on him or to heal him.

3. Even stranger, He delayed His trip to Bethany two

more days.

E. How could He have loved them so, yet wait so long to meet their request?

1. My friend Jesus had something BIG in mind for this

family that He LOVED SO.

2. Something that would reveal His LORDSHIP not only

to this family, but to unbelieving Jews as well.

To those who were struggling to accept Jesus as

the TRUE Messiah.

3. Something that would manifest His Authority &

Power to ALL.

4. I believe it was out of His great Love for Martha, Mary and Lazarus that Jesus purposely delayed His trip to Bethany.

a. He was about to show this family a deeper love

than they had ever known before.

b. They were going to have an opportunity to

witness His POWER over the great enemies,

death and the grave!

C. What seemed to be a tragedy at first glance

would turn out to be a great privilege.

John 11:4 (KJV)4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

c. Jesus was going to give this family the first

hand experience of His power to bring someone

back to life, back from the depths of the grave.

II. The Second Lesson We Learn Here, Is That We Must

Die With Christ

A. After the delay, Jesus prepares to go to Bethany.

1. His disciples remind Him; "Master, the Jews of

late sought to stone you; and You are going there

again?"

2. Notice the Response Jesus gave;

John 11:9-10 (KJV)

9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.