[1] #384, There is Life in This Death, Pastor David McIntosh, Sunday 05-16-2010

Text: John 11

Introduction

• One of the greatest challenges of living a life committed to following Jesus is that His ways our higher than our ways. (and his thoughts are not our thoughts)
• God will often allow things to happen that we would never let happen if we were God.
• It is at these times that our faith gets really challenged. Do we still believe today what we believed yesterday, even though something incredible has happened?
• Did Joseph still believe the dream when he was thrown into prison?
• Did Daniel still believe when we was thrown into the lion’s den?
• Did the disciples still believe when Jesus was hanging on the cross?
• Believe = to think to be true, to be persuaded of, put confidence in.

TRANSITION: Even though the Lord allows difficult situations into our lives, even death at times, we can still believe Him and His Word!

A FRIEND IN NEED (John 11:1-6)

1. Jesus had friends when He walked around the countryside. Three of His closest were two sisters and a brother. The sisters were name Mary & Martha and their brother Lazarus.
2. V. 2 – we discover that Lazarus was sick. It had to be serious because Mary & Martha sent word to Jesus; “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
3. V.4 – we hear what we expect to hear from Jesus; “This sickness will not end in death. No it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
4. Praise God, we knew Jesus wouldn’t let anything happen! We knew He had a plan all along! I keep telling everyone just have faith like me and believe and Jesus will come though!
5. V.6 – Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
6. Proclaiming that Lazarus wouldn’t die was just what I expected; staying away for two more days is NOT what I expected.
7. Why not just come and heal him, he is really, really sick, he won’t make two days!

WHEN GOD LETS THINGS DIE (John 11:11-16)

1. The first thing that happens next is confusion between Jesus and his disciples.
2. After the two days, Jesus says let’s go see our friend Lazarus, he has fallen asleep.
3. His disciples reply, well let’s let him sleep, he will get better then.
4. V.13 – “Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.”
5. Now let’s step back for a minute: V. 4 – This sickness will not end in death; V.14 – Lazarus is dead.
6. Wow, what is going on here? When things die in our lives that God said wouldn’t die, what do we do then?
7. John 11:14 – Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.
8. Jesus allows death into the situation because He wants to increase our belief in who Him, His Word and His promises!
9. Sometimes things have to die for our benefit.
10. Loving God, waiting on God, hoping in God, praising God when things are “dying” around us grows a deep faith, trust and belief in God that goes deep.
11. V.17 – On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for 4 days.

JESUS, MARTHA & MARY (John 11:21-37)    (read verse 21-27)

1. Martha told Jesus (v.21) that if he were only there Lazarus wouldn’t have died. But she did have faith because she told Jesus she knew God would give him whatever he asked.
2. V.23, Jesus declares this statement, “Your brother will rise again.”
3. But this didn’t faze Martha, because she knew that she would see him again in heaven.
4. John 11:25-26 – I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live; even though he dies…Do you believe this?
5. What is Jesus saying here? He wants Martha to understand that Jesus wasn’t preaching life, HE IS LIFE!
6. V.32 – Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. (Mary shares Martha’s sediments)
7. Experiencing all the weeping and mourning V.35 Jesus wept. Jesus has emotions and is compassionate and understandings the pain.
8. V.37 – Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?  (the people question)

REFLECTION

1. Jesus declared from the beginning (v.4) that this sickness would not end in death.
2. V.14 Jesus declared, “Lazarus is dead.”
3. Martha & Mary declare that if Jesus was there he wouldn’t have died. Jesus declares that He is life and Lazarus will rise again. People question couldn’t he have done something?
4. What are the things you are going through right now, that you know Jesus declared victory at the beginning, but as the days have moved on, death not life has shown itself and you find yourself saying, where is Jesus? Where is Jesus? If he would have been here none of this would have happened! (others are telling you to move on as well)

JUST BELIEVE

1. Jesus went to the grave, had the stone rolled away. Family & friends were concerned because there would be a bad odor, four days dead.
2. John 11:40 – Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?
3. V.42, Jesus prayed, 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.”
4. Jesus calls to Lazarus to come out and V.4 declares the dead man came out!

JESUS KNOWS

1. Jesus knows the beginning from the end and he knows what NEEDS to happen in our lives so that new strength and faith will grow inside of us.
2. The kind of strength that would enable us to run and walk without worrying about circumstances or situations.
3. What have you been waiting for? Getting out of debt? Waiting for that new job or opportunity? Focus your attention on His promises, and what he has declared to your situation….and wait.
4. John 20:24 – Stop doubting and believe.
5. Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

ALTAR

1. Call up altar workers, open the altars for prayer. Do you feel like something in your life has died, a dream is dead or dying. It seems like Jesus isn’t there.
2. Maybe Jesus said you will have victory and right now you are not.
3. Come and get prayer for the Lord to increase your faith and belief in Him and what he said. Come we want to agree with you in prayer for your victory even if it seems like it is dying!