READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Jesus is the resurrection and the life. These words bring much comfort and hope to the bereaved; for all those who have died in Christ, will be resurrected with a new body, like that of our Lord at the second coming.
The revelation of Jesus’ glory culminated with the greatest sign — the raising of Lazarus from the dead. The passage recounts the dialogue between Jesus and various people to prepare them for his final miracle. First, with the disciples, about the reasons for Lazarus’ death, and then with Martha and Mary, revealing Jesus’ identity as both God and man.
Sickness and death of Lazarus (v1-17)
When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s son may be glorified through it”. The message may initially have appeared very strange to Mary and Martha, because by the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been dead for four days. There was no doubt that Lazarus was really dead.
However, every sickness can be an opportunity for God to showcase His glory and mighty works in us. While everyone would naturally want to be healed; can we offer our trials and tribulations to God and await His sovereign decision? When we do so, whatever the outcome, Jesus’ name is glorified and His mighty works are done in us! This is a very difficult challenge, and we can only do so when we put our faith completely in Jesus. Have we been disappointed with God for not answering our prayers, especially for healing? God operates from a different timetable than ours, but His timing is always perfect. God makes everything beautiful in His time. God’s delays are not denials, but his will to achieve his perfect plan and purposes.
Preparation for raising Lazarus (v18-37)
When Jesus told Martha that her brother Lazarus will rise again. Her reply showed that she thought her brother will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. But Jesus told Martha that “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (v25-26). In declaring himself as the resurrection and the life, Jesus was saying he has the power over life and death. Jesus has the power to defeat death not only in the future, but also in the present! If we believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, physical death has no power over us. When Jesus asked Martha if she believed this, she probably did not fully understand. Martha said, “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world”.
Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and wept with Mary in her grief. Jesus is a man of sorrows and well acquainted with grief. He feels our pains and knows our sorrows. Jesus is both God and human, the lion and the lamb. Today, we can lay all our burdens and grief at the feet of Jesus.
Miracle of raising Lazarus (v38-45)
Despite concerns that the body may have decomposed, Jesus asked for the removal of the stone laid across the tomb. Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me”. He then called on Lazarus to come out and the dead man came out! Those who saw what Jesus did, believed in Him.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He knows our sorrows and has the power over life and death. He grants us eternal life.
Pastor Chin Nam concluded the sermon reading out a Wesley member’s powerful testimony on the miracles that came from God. When her father-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she knew it would be the final stage for him. Yet, the Lord spoke to her through John 11. “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s son may be glorified through it”. Initially, she did not understand this. Then miracles started to unfold. Her father-in-law accepted Jesus and was baptised. His illness drew the family closer, and her mother-in-law and siblings-in-law — staunch believers of another faith — consented to Christian funeral rites. This lifted a heavy burden on her husband’s and her heart. God answered all their prayers. There was forgiveness, reconciliation. But, most importantly, she came to realise that the sickness did not result in death, for her father-in-law now has life to the fullest in Christ Jesus.
(Sermon notes by Denis Koh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
- Read John 11:1-45. What stands out for you about this passage?
- Read Isaiah 55:10-11. What is God saying to you?
- Recall Sermon
- Name the 3 divisions for the sermon text.
- What are the key lessons from each division?
- Relate Personally
- Which lesson/s resonate most with you? Why
- Which lesson/s do you find difficult to live out? Why?
- Commit to Action
- How will you apply each lesson?
- What will you tell someone about Jesus?
