Death and the Lord’s Power – John’s Gospel chapter 11 verses 36-45
The God of surprises
Over and over God does things in ways that surprise us. “I wouldn’t have done it that way!” “This sickness will not end in death … but that the glory is God may be displayed.” The main subject is the glory is God.
The Lord’s reminder
We need to see that the main thing is the glory of God
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 ‘Take away the stone,’ he said. ‘But, Lord,’ said Martha, the sister of the dead man, ‘by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.’ 40 Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’
John 11:38-40
“Take away the stone” He says. All there will see the dead man raised too life, but only those with faith will see the glory of God in it. All our need will be met as we look to the glory of God.
The Lord’s prayer and power
41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 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.’ 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth round his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’
John 11:41-44
Turning water into wine could be faked. Stilling a storm might just be good weather forecasting. But giving life to a rotting 4 days old corpse? Never! Here is the power of God at work.
28 ‘Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his [Jesus’] voice 29 and come out – those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.
John 5:28-29
Everyone one of us will be raised, to be with God, which is all joy, or without Him, which is all misery.
The second miracle
Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.
John 11:45
A second resurrection miracle, still going on today. Many of the Jews who saw this put their faith in him. The spiritually lifeless are still being raised to life.
He that stood by the grave of Lazarus can say to the vilest of men. “Come forth: loose him, and let him go.” J.C. Ryle
2 things
- Death comes to all – Are you ready, through faith in Jesus?.
- Our Lord is with us in the valley of death. He went through first, lighting the way.
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
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