Before And After
John 12:1-11
Chris Seidman
Part of The After Life
April 11, 2021

Before And After - The After-Life

John 12:1-11
April 11, 2021
Chris Seidman, Sr. Minister


Colossians 2:12-13 (NIV)
… having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins … God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins … .

Lazarus’ “After-Life” Is Distinguished By …

  • Being unraveled into freedom.

John 11:44 (NIV)
“Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”


Luke 4:18 (NIV)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me … to proclaim freedom for the prisoners … to set the oppressed free … .”


John 8:31-32, 36 (NIV)
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (vs. 36) “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”


2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NIV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all … are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.


Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Lazarus’ “After-Life” Is Distinguished By …

  • Honoring Jesus.

John 12:1-2 (NIV)
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.


Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Lazarus’ “After-Life” Is Distinguished By …

  • Leaning into Jesus in fellowship with Him.

John 12:2 (NIV)
… while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.

  • Bearing witness to Jesus with his resurrected life.

John 12:9-11 (NIV)
Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

Communion

  • Who’s been a “Lazarus” for you?
  • Which feature of the “after-life” spoke to you today?