It is really the greatest news that has ever come into this world. Death is not the end. Today, we will examine the story of Lazarus’s resurrection. John 11 occurs only days away from the cross. To escape persecution, Jesus and the disciples had gone across the Jordan. Now, (11:7-16) - Jesus returns to Judea as the disciples object. Why did Jesus return to Bethany?
I. Humiliation (John 11:17-19).
A. This is seen in Jesus’ decision to come to Bethany. He didn’t have to.
B. 11:17-19 - Lazarus had been dead for
days. A crowd has gathered.
**II. Revelation (John 11:20-25a).
A. 11:20-22 - Martha heads out to meet Jesus outside Bethany.
- 11:21 - This had been in her mind for 4 days. A statement of faith?
B. 11:22 - Struggling - but still holding on to a little hope. See also 11:27.
C. 11:23 - Jesus responds.
D. 11:24 - Martha assumes Jesus is talking about the final resurrection.
E. 11:25 - Jesus: I am the
and the .
III. III. John 11:25b-27 - Belief.
A. 11:25b - Even though we may die physically, we will live spiritually.
- 11:26 - Those who live spiritually will never die.
B. 11:26b - Here’s the human side to our salvation. Will we believe? When we do, what happens? Death is abolished - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55.
C. 11:27 - Martha’s confession: I
. (I am already believing.)
III.IV. John 11:28-37 - Love.
A. 11:28-31 - Jesus is not yet in Bethany. Mary comes to meet Him.
- 11:32 - Mary gets to Jesus. Same statement as Martha…but…
B. 11:33 - Now the focus shifts to Jesus. See His humanity.
Mary is weeping. “Loud weeping/wailing.”
Jesus is moved in His spirit.
. 11:34 - Off they go to the tomb; 11:35 - Jesus
. C. 11:36 - This tells us why Jesus was crying. Jesus
Lazarus.
Conclusion:
A. 11:38-44.
B. Jesus came to bring you life. Do you believe? Will you reach out to Him in faith?