I am the Resurrection
Introduction
- "I am the resurrection" - a very familiar words
- A bit ironic that because Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, He Himself will be put to death
- v53 - 'from that day on they plotted to kill Him'
- Thankfully a prophecy of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus
- Five truths to learn
A Realisation
- The reality of death and bereavement
- It is inevitable unless He returns before we die
- We all die
- We will all be bereaved
- Not a popular thought
- Death is kept from us these days
- But it is an ugly reality that confronts us every day
- Death:
- Death is an intruder into our world - it was never meant to be here
- Death is a sign of a fallen world - it represents all the troubles we face living in a fallen world
- Death is part of the era in which we are living
A Hesitation
- Think of Martha
- She sends word to Jesus that Lazarus
- Jesus delayed 2 days before going to help
- Jesus always has reasons for any delay
- Martha cannot see or understand
- v21 - bewilderment, maybe a hit of criticism
- 'If only you had come'
- Speculation: Maybe Jesus had already known Lazarus had died (remember a 2 day journey)
- Martha - she had told the Lord Jesus but from her perspective He hadn't done anything about it
- 'If only'
- Often said during times of death/bereavement
- This often compounds our grief as we cannot change the situation
- Martha - has a true/real but weak/hesitant faith
- v21-22 - assured of His power, but this doesn't include raising Lazarus from the dead
- v23-24 - she believes in a general resurrection but not that Lazarus can be raised now
- She knows it in her head but not her heart
- Are there not times when we are like this?
- We can all quote Rom 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose"
- Though we can often find it hard to apply this to our circumstances
- Do you believe that 'general' teaching apply to you?
- We can often identify with Martha
A Confirmation
- Jesus is very kind
- He doesn't rebuke or chide her
- He loves her
- He gives her a powerful confirmation
- v25
- Jesus brings a very clear confirmation
An Application
- Jesus has conquered every tribulation
- They all lie at His feet
- Resurrection life flows out from Jesus
- The 'I AM's - are all related to miracles
- A promise and a guarantee that He will raise all to life that die believing in Him
- Not an abstract theological concept but a living reality for the people of God
- We immediately go into the presence of Christ
- Example of Paul writing to the Philippians in prison
- Example of William Shakespeare
- For the believer - death is a win-win situation
- Example of GI Williamson
An Invitation
- Jesus asks Martha "Do you believe this?" (v26b)
- A direct invitation
- Martha believes - v27
- She does not understand everything (we understand more) - but she says "yes, Lord, I believe"
- The preacher does not know whether you believe
- The question comes to you - do you believe?
- No abstentions - either you believe or don't, either you receive or reject
- This text calls you to a decision
- Jesus asks - 'will you personally trust Me as your Lord and Saviour?'
- Whatever the situation, problem or temptation - Jesus reminds us that He is the one who can deal with this
- Do you believe this?
Closing Prayer