“I am the Resurrection & the Life”

“I am the Resurrection & the Life” A look at Jn 11:1-53

Introduction • We have been studying from the book of John who Jesus Christ says He is: • The Bread of Life (Jn 6:36) • The Light of the World (Jn 8:12) • The Door (Jn 10:9) • The Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11) • We will be continuing our Look at the “I Am” statement of Christ by studying the 11th chapter of John and Jesus claim as “The Resurrection and the Life”

Introduction • One writer Stated the importance of this study in the following manner • One subject that we tend to avoid is the subject of death. We live our lives as though it is something that will happen to other people, but not us! The latest polls taken however have demonstrated an amazing percentage: Human death rate = 100% at some point in time! • Though it is true that all will die someday, there is hope that this is not the end!

Introduction • The greatest hope for Christians is found in the very person of Christ, for He is the resurrection and life! He is not just the one who can give life, He IS life! It is no wonder that those who have Christ living in them have eternal life, for where Christ dwells His life gives power to live forever. • The Bible teaches us that our only hope for eternal life is in Jesus Christ, He alone is the resurrection and the life! • James Williams once said, “The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts life.” • Let us consider this as we enter into our study

The belief in the resurrection & eternal life was not introduced by Jesus…It was expressed by men in the OT • Isaiah • IS 25:8; 26:19 • Daniel • Dan 12:2-3; 12:13 • Hosea • 13:14

The issue of the resurrection was debated by the Pharisees & Saducees • Mt 22:23-32 • Acts 23:6-8

Comfort in the Purpose of DeathJn 11:1-6 • At the beginning of chapter 11 we find Jesus being informed of the sickness of one who was a friend • Jn 11:3“He whom you love is sick” • We read of Mary and Martha in Lk 10:38-42 • It is important to note the confidence and faith they had in Jesus as both friend and savior • He is simply informed of the situation...there is no suggestion as to what action should be taken. • They believed Jesus would do what was best

Comfort in the Purpose of DeathJn 11:1-6 • Jesus response seems somewhat different than would be expected of Him • In the past He would simply heal from a distance • Mt 8:5-13 • At the very leas one would have assumed that He would immediately head to Bethany • Verse 6 tells us He stayed two more days • I believe the reason for the Lord’s delay was due to the divine purpose for Lazarus’ death • Jn 11:4

Comfort in the Purpose of DeathJn 11:1-6 • Concerning comfort…Thoughts from Bob Deffinbaugh • “This was the word of comfort which Jesus sent back to Martha and Mary: Lazarus is only temporarily dead, and better yet his momentary death would be used to the glory of God through the exaltation of the Son. And this, my friends, is precisely where we must find comfort as well. ” • “let us not miss another clear and resounding strain which permeates the first six verses of John 11—that is the depth of the friendship and love which existed between Jesus and Lazarus and his sisters: “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus” (John 11:5).”

Comfort in the Purpose of DeathJn 11:1-6 • “Throughout the entire account of the raising of Lazarus, the intimate friendship and love of Jesus for this family is underscored. And herein is one of the most comforting of all principles to strengthen and comfort us in the face of death: THE PURPOSE OF GOD IS NEVER SEPARATED FROM HIS LOVE FOR HIS OWN.” • “So often those who stand solidly on the truth of the sovereignty of God (as I pray I do) tend to depreciate the love of God. God’s purposes never sacrifice the best interest of His own. God’s love for His own is never surrendered to His purposes. The two go hand-in-hand. What a comfort we should find in that truth!”

Comfort in the Possibility of Death Jn 11:7-16 • We can see from vs. 8 that the disciples fear the possibility of death • Jn 11:8; 10:31 • A look at Jesus’ response in vs 9 & 10 • “Jesus' answer is intriguing and arresting, though somewhat cryptic. It shows the proper respect for God's will and fulfilling His purpose in our lives. Jesus said, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." (John 11:9,10)…Jesus' point is that doing God's work is like “walking in the day” and that is how we do not stumble. If we loiter in the night, not fulfilling God's purpose because of fear or neglect, then the light of God is not in us. (Jon W Quinn)

Comfort in the Possibility of Death Jn 11:7-16 • “In Jn11:9-10, Jesus compared His decision to return to Judea to a man traveling during the day. Daytime travel doesn't guarantee a hazard-free trip, but the light does allow us to see the hazards. At nighttime, it's inevitable that we will stumble. Likewise, walking in the light of God's direction doesn't mean that there won't be problems, but the alternative of "doing our own thing" (which is walking in darkness) is guaranteed to get us into trouble… Jesus was obeying the leading of His Father to return to Judea. He could see exactly what was going to take place, and He was going to walk in the light that His Father had given Him. Our decisions should not be based on whether or not we will be hurt in some way as a result of our actions, but we should discern God's will and do it regardless of the cost. (Andrew Womack)

Comfort in the Possibility of Death Jn 11:7-16 • Barnes’ Notes on the Bible • Jesus meant to say that there was an allotted or appointed time for him to live and do his Father's will, represented here by the 12 hours of the day. • Though his life was nearly spent, yet it was not entirely; a remnant of it was left. • A traveler journeyed on until night. It was as proper for him to travel the twelfth hour as any other. • So it was proper for Jesus to labor until the close. It was the proper time for him to work. The night of death was coming, and no work could then be done. • God would defend him in this until the appointed time of his death. He had nothing to fear, therefore, in Judea from the Jews, until it was the will of God that he should die. He was safe in his hand, and he went fearlessly into the midst of his foes, trusting in him. This passage teaches us that we should be diligent to the end of life: fearless of enemies when we know that God requires us to labor, and confidently committing ourselves to Him who is able to shield us, and in whose hand, if we have a conscience void of offence, we are safe.

Comfort in the Possibility of Death Jn 11:7-16 • Confusion over Jesus teachings in Vs 11-17 • The disciples think Lazarus is just sleeping so it is best not to put themselves in danger by going to him since at some point he will waken • Jn 11:11-13 • Jesus corrects the disciples and explains that Lazarus is dead and part of the reason for this is that this was in part for the strengthening of their own faith • Jn 11:14-17

Comfort in the Presence of Death Jn 11:17-37 • Comfort in the presence of Jesus • It seems very clear that more than any other factor, the thing that concerned Mary and Martha was the absence of Jesus at the time of Lazarus’ death • Jn 11:21; 32 • It was in His physical presence that He manifested his deep concern and love over the suffering of His own • Jn 11:33; 35

Comfort in the Presence of Death Jn 11:17-37 • Comfort in the promise of Christ • Jn 11:25-26 • Our hope of life beyond the grave is grounded on this promise, and this promise is certain because of His power over death • 1 Cor 15:12 • Comfort in the person of our Lord • The promise of our Lord to Marry and Martha was rooted in His person…He truly was “The resurrection and the life” (Vs 11:25)

Comfort in the Presence of Death Jn 11:17-37 • Those who find Jesus just a “Good man” or great teacher, will find no comfort in Him at times of sorrow or death • Those who trust in His person are assured of His presence and can rest in His promises • Heb 13:5

Comfort in the Power of Christ over Death • A couple more points from Bob Deffinbaugh • The most amazing feature of this miracle is its brevity and simplicity. Nowhere is there to be found any of the embellishments of other spurious writings from this age. Jesus simply ordered the stone to be removed, and with a loud voice, ordered Lazarus to come forth. Even after four days in the tomb, when all hope of recovery was gone, Lazarus came forth. • With the current obsession with life after death, men today would have desired much more detail about what Lazarus experienced during these four days. We should have liked to hear John’s account of the conversations which took place between these who were reunited, but without comment John passes such matters by. This miracle was performed as a sign. Our Lord’s prayer was primarily for the benefit of those who stood by. What was important was the response of men to the miracle which had taken place.

A Few Final Applications • God’s purpose is not that none of His own should suffer, as we know His Son suffered the most cruel death man could suffer • God’s purpose for suffering is to strengthen our faith • Jam 1:2-4 • This miracle confronts and teaching confronts men with the same decision men had to make in the time of Jesus… • What will you do with Jesus? • You must accept Him as the Son of God and your Savior or reject Him as phony or fraud • “If we take these gospel accounts seriously at all we must face the same destiny-determining decision as those who witnessed His works while on the earth.” (Bob Deffinbaugh)

“I am the Resurrection & the Life”