Guest speaker Dr. R Kent Hughes takes us though most of John 11 on the Resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus delays, Lazarus dies, Jesus, in an almost teasing way (except for the seriousness of the matter), puts off the sisters’ accusations and questions. Only Jesus Christ knows the “love drenched conclusion”. We so rarely see that conclusion in our times of grief or stress. Running through the message is the theme of faith and belief. There is no Resurrection and no Life apart from faith in Jesus.
MARTHA, A WOMAN OF DEEP FAITH accepts his declaration and adds her belief in him as Messiah and Son of God. MARY FOLLOWS TRADITIONAL MOURNING CUSTOMS, described in detail, infused with a depth of grief not unlike those of the pagans. JESUS RESPONSE to the situation was exasperation and anger at the damage sin causes, leading to death. Then he finally gives the “shout of raw authority” which calls Lazarus forth. Joy!
DO YOU BELIEVE? Resurrection is for those who do. It is John’s purpose in writing (John 20:31). The theme of believing runs through John and then is carried forward in Acts 16:30-31, Romans 10:9. DO YOU BELIEVE OR DO YOU JUST BELIEVE THAT YOU BELIEVE?
John’s I AM verses based on Exodus 3:14: John 6:35 (bread), John 8:12 (light), John 10:7,9 (door), John 10:11,14 (shepherd), John 11:25 (resurrection and life), John 14:6 (way, truth, life), John 15:1,5 (vine),
Verses on Believing: John 1:7, John 3:16, John 11:25-26, John 20:31 |
