I Am... Resurrection and the Life

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

(Bring up to Text)

Lazarus is dead — and everybody knows it.

Four days in the grave = no denial, no fixing it, no coming back naturally.

The house is full of mourners — public grief, heavy atmosphere, real loss.

This is what it feels like when something in life is officially over:

The relationship

The opportunity

The dream

The version of life you prayed for

Sometimes Jesus lets situations reach the point where nobody else can take credit for what happens next.

1. He Can (v.21-22)

Do y’all remember Martha? She was the one concerned and worried about many things. (Tell the Story) and now it is this same Martha who meets Jesus before he gets to the house. And out of here grief stricken faith, she makes a statement that confirms her faith she has in Jesus but also the limitations she puts on him out of doubt. (exegete v.21)

She knew that he could have, but not that he can. (Run)

2. He Will (v.23-24)

She does not quite understand what Jesus has said. He is offering her the solution to her problem but because she can’t see past her predicament she cant see the possibly that comes from Christs Power.

She has an understanding

Why ask in prayer what you don’t actually believe God will do it.

3. He is (v. 25—27)

This is the questions of the book. Do you believe this? This question that he asks her is of eternal importance. Its not a matter of just his ability, its a matter of who.

His lesson is that Lazarus is an example of what is to come for those who believe in Jesus. So, while we may call on Jesus for healing, call on Jesus for help, and call on Jesus for everything the point is that we come to know accept as Lord, and believe that he is the Christ, the Son of God who has come into the world.

“Do you believe this?”

Not:

Did you grow up in church?

Do you know the doctrine?

Can you quote the verse?

But — Do you believe this?

Martha responds with confession: You are the Christ. You are the Son of God. You are the One we’ve been waiting for.

Preaching truth:

She now fully aware of who and what Jesus is, she makes a declaration and confession of faith that everyone who has accepted Jesus has done in some way, “Yes Lord,....I have believed that you are the Christ, the Son of God, He who comes into the world”