I am the Resurrection
Bible Text: John 11:1-27 | Preacher: Paul Williams | Series: Visiting Preachers | 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