Life & Death: Jesus Conquers Death, Transforms You Today
Journey Through the Gospel of John • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 6 viewsNotes
Transcript
CPS: The incredible power of Jesus to conquer death not only reveals the glory of God but also speaks directly to our doubts and struggles. It's time to embrace Him wholeheartedly, letting go of the skepticism that keeps us at a distance. By placing our trust in Him, we open the door to a transformative new life—one filled with deeper faith and overflowing gratitude as we dedicate ourselves to serving Him.
Analytical Question: What are the consequences?
Introduction
Introduction
Imagine, for a moment, that this morning we are all gathered in a solemn cemetery, standing beside the grave of someone we cherished deeply. The chill of the autumn air wraps around us, a biting reminder of the season’s relentless march, much like the ache in our hearts. Leaves, vibrant yet brittle, dance in the gusty winds, creating a minor symphony that mirrors our shared sorrow. There’s an invisible weight in the atmosphere, heavy with the raw emotions of loss, grief, and mourning, palpable to each one of us.
The past few days have drained us emotionally, leaving us feeling hollow as we confront the stark reality of absence. Suddenly, one of the men among us breaks the silence with an inconceivable suggestion: “Dig up the coffin and open it!” Gasps ring out as we exchange incredulous glances, a collective thought echoing in our minds: “Are you serious? You want us to disturb our loved ones’ eternal rest? It’s been over four days. There’s nothing left but decay and a putrid stench.”
In a way, each of us has faced such heart-wrenching moments. We’ve stood before coffins, frozen in disbelief. We’ve found ourselves at gravesides, grappling with the finality of farewell. Later, we might return to that hallowed ground, nostalgia and grief entwined as we remember the laughter, the love, and the moments we shared. Death carries a brutal finality—a truth we all grapple with, leaving in its wake a profound sense of hopelessness that echoes through our very souls.
This morning, we reflect on John 11:38-44, a poignant moment where Jesus, alongside Mary, Martha, the disciples, and others, encounters deep sorrow. This isn’t just a story about Lazarus; it speaks to all of us. It’s a time filled with doubt—a doubt that many of us carry in our hearts today. We’ve all found ourselves questioning whether God’s power can truly work in our lives. The promise of Christ’s resurrection power can feel distant, and that lingering skepticism often grips us in our most vulnerable moments. It’s a struggle we all share, especially when faced with the loss of someone we love. In those moments, the fear of loss or the reality of death quietly urges us to wonder, “How God possibly help us in a moment like this?” We’re not alone in these feelings, and it's okay to acknowledge them.
As we delve into this transformative moment in Lazarus's story, we are invited to recognize Jesus’s extraordinary power not merely as a distant miracle but as an intimate invitation to each of us. In John 11:38, it begins with, “Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave,” and through verses 39-44, He boldly commands life in the face of death. This morning, let us reflect on this powerful truth: the unparalleled power of Jesus to conquer death reveals not only the glory of God but also addresses our most profound doubts and struggles. Now is the time to wholeheartedly embrace Him, shedding the skepticism that keeps us at arm's length. By placing our trust in Him, we unlock the door to a transformative new life—one brimming with deeper faith and overflowing gratitude, as we commit ourselves to serving Him.
As we stand together in this shared moment of grief and disbelief, let us turn to Scripture in John 11:38-44, where Jesus Himself enters the valley of the shadow of death, revealing His incredible power – a power that overcomes the grave and speaks to our deepest struggles.
Read the text:
38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Conquers Death, Revealing God’s Glory
Conquers Death, Revealing God’s Glory
We see three things from Jesus as He stands before Lazarus’ tomb. We see that…
He is more than willing to face the inevitability of death, confront the despair of loss, and demonstrate the triumph of life.
Note John 11:38
38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
There are two key words here: the words “groaning” and “cometh.” Jesus groaned, meaning He felt a deep emotion inside. Notice that this emotion was stirred as “came” to the tomb of Lazarus. It is important that we don’t overlook the intentionality here. Christ did not shy away from His feeling or even the action itself. As the saying goes, Christ looked straight into the face of death because He was not afraid of death. He is the resurrection and eternal life.
Christ then challenges the impossible.
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
The instruction came to remove the stone from the tomb. Martha immediately objects saying, “Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.” We have already, at length, discussed how Martha saw this entire situation. In her mind, there was nothing but hopelessness. Lazarus is dead. Nothing more can be done than wait for the coming resurrection day. For her, she would not see her brother alive until then. However, for Christ, as He instructs them to remove the stone challenges the defeatist attitude that we ofren embrace. Remember He has already told Martha that Lazarus would rise again. Again, Jesus knows the power He has over death. It mattered not what condition the body was in as it lay decaying in the grave.
40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
It is in this moment the full realization of Jesus power is revealed.
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
This single event left everyone speechless and frozen. It was at this moment that not one person could argue the power of Jesus Christ. In fact, there is something we must not miss about Christ’s power. Note that He called Lazarus by his name. Some have speculated that had Christ simply said “Come forth” that every grave within the sound of His voice would have emptied. I believe this. Jesus Christ is God. His power is unimaginable. With one word, He spoke an entire universe into existence. With one command, He resurrected Lazarus from the dead giving him life.
This where it gets real for us even today. If Christ has the power to resurrect the dead, then surely His power can help us in our current circumstances.
You see the Power of Jesus...
Speaks to Our Doubts and Confronts Our Struggles
Speaks to Our Doubts and Confronts Our Struggles
We see it in this amazing story. Remember Martha’s objection - “Lord by this time he stinketh.” Everytime we are confronted with an impossible situation, we have this amazing tendency to doubt what God can do. Martha could only see what was in front of her. Lazarus is dead. He had been dead for over four days. He body is in a state of decay. Opening the tomb would only bring an insufferable odor of decay. Yet, Christ did not deal with her doubt or human reasoning. He simply reminded her of His promise.
40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
He reminded her that whenever we place our complete trust and confidence in Him it will overcome any doubt and yield unbelievable results. Note how that Christ linked our belief to God’s glory. Believing Him always brings God glory. Believing Him puts us in a place where we can witness His awesome power at work in our lives.
However, Christ says something further. Remember His public prayer.
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
On a side note, Christ did not have to pray. He could have simply said, “Lazarus, come forth.” However, He chose to pray. In doing so, He not only set an example of how we are to come to God in times of grief and pain, but He also indicated something profound. He said, “because of the people which stand by I said it, THAT they may believe...” You see Christ knew the potential if all of us to to believe. He understood that all those standing around the tomb had the potential to overcome their doubts and struggles with one simple step. They just needed to believe Him.
Again, this applies to us even today. All Christ ever asks of us is to “believe.” For the those who have yet to accept Him as Savior, He says “Do you believe me?” Are you willing to put your trust that Christ is God and that He can and has paid the penalty for your sin? All He is asking is that you believe His death, burial, and resurrection. Believing involves action. If you truly believe, you will take the necessary action. Romans 10:9-13 gives us the action.
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Christ wants you to turn your doubt into belief. When you do, you will find how you grief and pain becomes much more bearable. For us, as believers, we must react to times of grief and pain with simple belief. Trust the Lord, lean not on what you think or feel, and belief that He can and will sustain you through anything you might be facing. He always provides a way of ask and He never places on you more than you can bear.
Here is another thing we learn from our text about the power of Jesus.
The Power of Jesus...
Calls for Embrace, Letting Go of Skepticism
Calls for Embrace, Letting Go of Skepticism
Look again to our text.
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Now again at verse 41.
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Now, note verse 44.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Here is the progression that I want you see for this next point. Christ instructed them to take away the stone. The stone, in a sense, represents a barrier. Death is a great barrier. Death separates us from those we love and cherish. Standing beside a grave, coffins, or tomb with a stone reminds how sudden and final death is. Verse 41 says they did as Christ instructed. They were obedient despite their apprehension and doubt. He prays. He commands Lazarus to come forth.
Now, there is something a little comical here. I believe God has great humor. As soon as Christ commands Lazarus to come forth, Lazarus is no longer dead. He is alive. However, there is one small issue still be resolved. He is completely wrapped in burial clothes. Lazarus is now bodily alive, but he finds himself bound by his burial clothes. He is struggling to move. As this scene is unfolding before everyone, no one is moving. No one is helping Lazarus. Everyone is completely stunned. The humor is that Lazarus is alive, but he has no help from those who standing there. Christ then says, “Loose him, and let him go.”
What do we learn from this? The only stone that is standing between those who do not believe and spiritual life is doubt. When we remove the stone of doubt and simply put our trust in Christ, we immediately experience the greatest miracle of all - resurrection and life. There was hesitation by the crowd. However, when they finally obeyed, God worked a miracle. God can work miracles in your heart and life as well. You might be doubting Him even now. The only way to overcome doubt is to act in obedience to His commands. That is the point. Embrace Christ with belief and obedience. When we do, the doubt, hesitations, and fear all melt away. The call from Christ must be answered with obedience. Complete obedience always follows true belief. We see it repeatedly in Scripture. If you believe me, confess me. If you love me, keep my commandments.
Conclusion
Conclusion
As we conclude this journey through John 11:38-44, let us remember the profound truth we've discovered: Jesus' remarkable power to defeat death not only reveals God's glory but also directly challenges our deepest doubts and struggles. It invites us to fully embrace Him by releasing skepticism and stepping into a transformative new life filled with deeper faith, gratitude, and service.
Today, I challenge each of you—whether you're struggling with grief, facing an impossible situation, or simply holding back in doubt—to act on this message now. Remove the stone of hesitation (doubt) from your heart; trust in Jesus, declare Him as Lord, and respond to His call, just like those at the tomb did. For believers, lean on His strength during your trials; for those who haven't believed yet, take that step of faith outlined in Romans 10:9-13—confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.
Imagine the moment Lazarus emerged, bound yet alive, with the crowd frozen in awe—then hear Jesus' command echo across the ages: "Loose him, and let him go!" In that triumphant cry, we see death defeated, doubts shattered, and lives forever changed, a divine power that can resurrect your hopes, heal your wounds, and propel you into eternal freedom.
Let us rise and live in that power today.
