LAZARUS

By Graham Bauer

Scripture

John 11:1-46

Introduction

Lazarus is famous because Jesus rose him from the dead.
Let us look more closely at the events and circumstances that led to Lazarus being raised from the dead.

v3 Lazarus and his sisters are friends of Jesus and much loved by him.

We too are friends of Jesus and no longer servants.
We have a relationship with Jesus that must be maintained.
We too are much loved and cared about.

v4 The sickness of Lazarus

Was not to be fatal as Jesus was supposed to raise him from the dead.
We are permanently dead to God unless Jesus resurrects us from death's hold.
Was to be for the glory of God.
Was to be for a witness of the son of God - he was sent of the father.

v5 Jesus' relationship to the family of Lazarus

He loved them dearly
We too form friendships and love them dearly.
Jesus had the same emotions and needs as we do

v6 Still Jesus waited two days after hearing of Lazarus' illness.

He knew his beloved friend would die.
He had to endure the death of a dear friend for the glory of God to been seen in the resurrection of Lazarus.

v7-8 Jesus while waiting on Lazarus says "Let's go to Judaea again"

The apostles had fear of man - "They wanted to stone last time."
The fear of man did not stop Jesus from doing the father's will
- Will it stop us?
- Will it stop us witnessing to family, friends and strangers?

v14-15 Jesus declares that Lazarus is dead

Who told him?
His absence allowed Lazarus to die.
He can now raise him from the dead.
Seeing this miracle will help the faith of many.

v20-21 Martha - looked for the lord in the midst of the situation.

Mary - sat at home and grieved with friends.
Martha - blamed Jesus "If you had been here he would not have died"
- Trap of not seeking God's will in our trials and tribulations
- There was purpose in Lazarus' illness and death.

v23 God's promises "Thy brother shall rise"

Confusion over what God means - Martha thought Lazarus would rise in the last day but Jesus meant here and now.

v24 Misinterpretation of God's answer

When we fail to see God's answer - the drowning man to whom God sent a rowboat, a speed boat, and a helicopter.

v25 Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

We are risen to new life with Jesus.
He is the life that we live.

v28 Mary - Responded immediately when she heard that Jesus was there.

She was obedient when Jesus said come.

v32 "If you had been here Lord".

If we let Jesus come into our situations we would have life and not death, victory instead of defeat.

v33-38 Jesus on seeing his friends wept. He was sympathetic with their loss and also grieved for his friend.
He was troubled in his spirit.

v35 He wept.
Everyone blamed Jesus for Lazarus' death
Martha - "If you had been here"
Mary - "If you had been here"
Those watching the situation "Could not this man who did miracles" see v37.

v39-46 Jesus said take away the stone - Faith was applied.

But he's been dead four days - looking at circumstances.
What do we look at faith or circumstances.

Jesus gave thanks to the father for hearing his prayer.

To increase the faith of those listening.

Jesus gave the command "Lazarus come forth.!"

We need to give the command over our situations.

Signs and wonders

People see and believe and get saved.
Others will believe even though they see v46 and they perish.

Salvation call

Do you see the reality of Jesus?
Will you believe?
Will you accept Jesus as your lord?
Will you enjoy resurrection life with jesus?

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