John 11:1-44

V25 “I am the resurrection and the life”

This is the key here – one of the big “I am” statements of Jesus – he can because he is

An essential truth for us to understand – when you really know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life then you know that his power and authority are unlimited

The story of Lazarus shows us that it is never too late for Jesus to do something amazing

Resurrection is a powerful word – all about the impossible becoming possible

Jesus died on a cross – a spear was thrust into his side – he was placed in a stone tomb and yet on the third day out he came – alive forever more!

Consider your impossible situations right now and ask whether they are bigger than having been crucified, and buried?

Jesus is the resurrection and the life – there is nothing too difficult for him!

Ten key things we can learn from the story:

1. Bad things happen to people who love Jesus

V2 Mary loved Jesus

V5 Jesus loved this family

Whether or not bad things happen to you is not a love issue – don’t make the mistake of thinking that you are not loved because something terrible happens!

Being loved does not mean immunity from suffering – it does mean that you can always take it to the Lord though – they sent word to Jesus

Important to seek Jesus not hide from him

If the devil can have you believe that you are not loved then he can persuade you to distance yourself from God

2. God’s word is true  

V4 Will not end in death

Lazarus was dangerously ill – on the point of death when the message was sent

Jesus spoke a word that contradicted the circumstances

Many times God’s word will stand in stark contrast to what we can see – need to trust it

3. Jesus’ timing is perfect

V5-6 Stayed where he was two more days!

We cry out for an answer now

Everything in this story points to the need for a “now” response – yet Jesus waited

Jesus loved them but he didn’t move to their agenda

4. Walk in the light

V9-10 A man who walks by day will not stumble

Challenging times are times when it is tempting to compromise on righteousness – don’t!

The disciples thought Jesus was crazy going to Bethany – yet Jesus knew that he was walking in the light

In difficult times there will often be a test of integrity – it is essential that we walk in the light

5. Expect misunderstanding and opposition

V12 Misunderstanding

V16 Opposition

Jesus had a spiritual understanding – the disciples were only thinking on a natural level – they couldn’t grasp what Jesus intended

When you walk in the Spirit, those who can only see with natural eyes will misunderstand and even tell you that you are crazy

The more you live by God’s word and walk in his ways the more you should expect misunderstanding and opposition – stick with the plan though and see God be glorified

6. Know that there will be times when it seems hopeless

V17 been in the tomb for four days

When you are “finished” naturally then the supernatural can really start happening

This is the time not to give up but hold on and believe

V21-22 mixture of disappointment and hope

This is the reality we live in when things seem to be falling apart, but hold onto the “even now”

7. Know who Jesus is

V25 The resurrection and the life

V27 The Christ, the Son of God

When everything else is uncertain and falling apart, knowing who Jesus is remains the essential rock of faith

Not about what we see or don’t see right now – we need to have faith in him – he is good and his love endures forever!

Martha’s first words were about the situation but Jesus caused her to think about who he is – changed her focus

Before we can see a miracle we need to be looking at the miracle worker

When we are screaming for an answer he calls us to rest in his presence and put our trust in him

8. Be real

V33 deeply moved

V35 Jesus wept

If this is Jesus then why do you feel the need to hold it all together and pretend that you are OK when you aren’t?

There are times when we are waiting for the miracle when things just hurt and we need to cry a bit

9. Hear and obey

V39 Take away the stone

Are you too afraid of a potential stink to obey what Jesus says to you?

V40 What does belief look like?

Is it saying “I believe”?

No, it is acting consistently with the belief that you have!

10. Be bold in prayer

V43 Lazarus come out!

What would you have prayed?

Would you have prayed for the family of the deceased?

Would you have used many words?

Would you have given God lots of options?

Jesus knew how to pray in the Spirit – with authority and according to God’s will!