Untitled Sermon (15)

Come out

Come Out and Live: The Call of Jesus

Bible Passage: John 11:38–44

Summary: In John 11:38–44, we witness the powerful moment when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, showcasing His authority over death and His deep compassion for human suffering. This passage emphasizes the transformative call of Jesus to step out of our spiritual tombs into the light of life.

Application: This sermon can remind Christians that Jesus calls them out of their struggles, sins, and despair into new life. It encourages them to respond actively to His call, leaving behind what holds them captive and embracing the freedom and hope offered in Christ.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus not only has power over physical death, but He also offers spiritual resurrection to everyone who believes in Him. It emphasizes faith, obedience, and the transformative effects of answering His call to come out.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the overarching narrative of Scripture, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. His call to Lazarus symbolizes the greater reality of His victory over sin and death, providing hope for eternal life to all who believe in Him. Jesus confronts the death that we all face, offering resurrection not only in the future but also in the present reality of our lives.

Big Idea: Jesus' call to come out from the deadness of our spiritual lives brings freedom and restoration to those who believe in Him, transforming their existence into one of hope and vitality.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider studying the historical and cultural context surrounding funerals in Jewish society, as this may impact your audience's understanding. Utilize Logos to explore the theological implications of resurrection in John's Gospel, and examine how this episode fits within the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry. Pay attention to any Greek word studies that may illuminate the text's depth, particularly focusing on 'come out' and its implications for believers today.

1. Confronting the Tomb

John 11:38-40

You could suggest that in these verses, we see Jesus' emotional connection to human suffering as He approaches the tomb. His actions reveal the divine authority He exercises even in the face of death. Here, Jesus challenges those around Him to believe in God's glory, laying the foundation for a spiritual awakening. Encourage the congregation to see moments of despair as opportunities to witness God's power and to trust in His promises, even when standing before seemingly hopeless situations.

2. Communing in Prayer

John 11:41-42

Perhaps you will teach that Jesus' prayer at the tomb emphasizes His intimate relationship with the Father and His intention for His actions to inspire belief. This point suggests that prayer is not only a request but an essential part of demonstrating faith. Invite your audience to incorporate prayer in their lives, harnessing it as a means of connecting with God's will and purpose, knowing that Jesus' example sets a pattern for transforming faith into action.

3. Calling to Life

John 11:43-44

Maybe focus on the authority of Jesus' call to "come out," which brings Lazarus forth from the tomb. This miraculous moment is both physically and spiritually significant, demonstrating that Christ brings new life to those bound by sin and death. Encourage believers to heed Jesus' call in their own contexts, actively leaving behind all that restrains them, and embracing the liberating life that Christ offers. Highlight the empowerment that comes from trusting in His transformative work.

When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they emerged as a free people. Coming out is akin to that liberation; it's about breaking free from shackles that hold us back. Just as the Israelites had to confront their fears and embrace their new identity, we too must bravely declare who we are in Christ, declaring freedom from fear and shame, experiencing the deliverance God provides.

Consider the old hymn 'Amazing Grace,' which speaks of coming out of darkness into light. The author, John Newton, transformed from a slave trader to a minister, embodying the journey of seeking redemption. His story reflects that coming out is a powerful testament to how God can redeem our lives, turning shame into stories of grace—assuring us that our past does not dictate our future in Christ’s love.

What emotions does Jesus express as He approaches Lazarus' tomb in John 11:38-40?

How does Jesus demonstrate His authority over death in the story of Lazarus?

How can we actively respond to Jesus' call in our everyday lives?

To actively live out Jesus' call within your church community, get involved in service projects that resonate with your passions, whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or participating in missionary work. Encourage others to join you, fostering a spirit of teamwork, and openly share how these experiences impact your faith journey. This form of outreach embodies the essence of Christ's love in action.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary V. The Resurrection of Lazarus and the Approaching Death of Jesus (11:1–12:50)

Faith must precede sight if we want to see God’s supernatural intervention in our circumstances. We can never know what God plans to do in secret until we obey what he has clearly revealed.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary V. The Resurrection of Lazarus and the Approaching Death of Jesus (11:1–12:50)

He could’ve showed up on time and conducted a private miracle to heal Lazarus. Instead, he arrived late to put on a public, supernatural display, validating his messianic identity and sparking faith in a mass gathering of people. The latter, though it resulted in temporary grief, would produce tremendous spiritual impact and bring God greater glory. Jesus’s prayer for his Father’s supernatural intervention also illustrates his current intercessory work of deliverance for believers when we respond in faith and obedience (see