First Wednesday 11.03.21
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Introduction
Introduction
Isn’t it good to be in the presence of the Lord, and to know that His Spirit is here to minister to us tonight. Because I don’t know about you, but I need some encouragement tonight. I need to know that the Lord is with me and that He is going before me.
And so tonight, I want to bring some assurance to all of us that while you may be going through some sort of difficulty or challenge, that the Lord is indeed with you.
Because I think what happens to a lot of Christians, is that as they face the difficulties and challenges of life, that they begin to wonder if God is really with them. Because if God is with them, then why is this happening and why does it seem like life is so hard.
And while there are a lot of reasons that challneges and difficulties come our way, I do think there are some specific reasons they do.
For the next few moments I want to talk about one of those reasons. A reason that is found in John 12.
If you’re not familiar with John 12, John 12 focuses primarily on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and follows the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. Two exciting events. One that demonstrates the power of Jesus and the other anticipating and declaring His kingship.
But tonight, what I want to focus on is what happens between those two events. Because between the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead and the Triumphal entry of Jesus, John give us some important details that connect the two events.
One of the details surrounds how the people in Israel responded to Lazarus’s resurrection. Because while we don’t often think about what happened after Jesus raised him from the dead, John gives us some insight into how events played out following the resurrection of Lazarus. And it all starts as Jesus returns to Bethany to visit his friend who He had raised from the dead. John puts it like this:
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.
In the days following the resurrection of Lazarus, John says that Jesus came back to Bethany and had dinner with him. Which would have been an amazing dinner to attend as Jesus sat there eating with his friend who was dead but is now alive. I mean can you imagine the conversation at the table as Jesus, Lazarus, and the disciples recount what had happened that day.
But not everybody was excited about what had happened to Lazarus, because John goes on to write:
9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
John says as word spread that Jesus had returned to Bethany, many people started to come not only to see Jesus, but to see Lazarus. Because just like any small town, rumors about Lazarus’s death and his resurrection had been spreading like wild fire. And now all of a sudden Jesus was back and He’s with Lazarus. So everybody came running.
But as I said, not everybody was happy about this, specifically the Religious Leaders.
Why were they unhappy? John says they were unhappy because Lazarus’s resurrection had resulted in many people putting their faith in Jesus. In fact, so many people were coming to faith that the Religious leaders started making plans to put Lazarus to death.
I mean how crazy is that. Lazarus had died maybe a few weeks before this, Jesus had raised him from the dead, and now the Religious leaders are plotting to put him back in the tomb. Talk about being on a life and death roller coaster ride, right?
So, a great question would be, “What’s going on here? Why is poor Lazarus facing death again? Why can’t he just have some peace after his crazy ordeal. Why do the punches just keep coming?”
Here’s what I think. I think what this highlights is the spiritual reality of what happens when a person puts their faith in Jesus, and in Lazarus’s case, is resurrected by Jesus.
And the reality is, In that moment, that person becomes a target. Why a target? A target because they now represent the power of Jesus. They represent what Jesus can do in a person’s life.
And as a result, their resurrected life has become a testimony. A testimony of the resurrection power of Jesus.
And what was true for Lazarus is true for you and me. Because the fact is, if you’re a Christian, then you’ve experienced the resurrection power of Christ in your life. The Apostle Paul puts it like this:
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Paul says when you put your faith in Jesus, the old you dies and a new is reborn. Jesus actually calls this being “Born Again”.
And the fact is, when that happens to a person who puts their faith in Jesus, the enemy doesn’t like it. In fact, he hates it.
But what the enemy hates even more than somebody putting their faith in Jesus, is when you become a testimony to others. In other words, he hates it when what Jesus has done in your life begins to lead others to faith in Jesus. Because now you’re not a Christ follower, you’re a Christ proclaimer. And now, you’re a threat.
And this is one of the reasons Christians face challenges and difficulties. Because now that you’re a Christ proclaimer, you are a walking testimony of how Jesus can change a persons life. You’re the living evidence of Jesus’s power.
And as a result, the enemy is plotting a way to take you out. He’s plotting ways to discourage you. He’s plotting ways to get you off track. He’s plotting ways to destroy your witness.
Now, you might be thinking, “Wow pastor, that’s kind of discouraging. I was hoping you’d have something encouraging to share with me tonight. But all you’re doing is confirming that I’m under attack. I’m not sure how that helps.”
It helps in a couple of ways:
First, if you’re facing an attack tonight, like Lazarus, it signifies that you are on the right path.
How do I know that? I know because the enemy doesn’t mess around with people who aren’t making a difference for Jesus. Because why would he. He already has them exactly where he wants them. Complacent and doing nothing.
However, for people who are making a difference for the Kingdom of God, it’s a completely different story. Because attacks aren’t just a possibility, they are a certainty.
Paul puts it like this, 2 Timothy 3:12
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
So, while the attack may not be fun, it serves as confirmation that you’re headed in the right direction.
Second, it signifies that you are not only on the right path, but the triumphal path.
We know this because after Jesus had dinner with Lazarus, He heads towards Jerusalem. Listen to how John describes it.
12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
In this passage John records the Triumphal entry of Jesus into Jersualem. An event that the Jews mistakingly thought would lead to Jesus setting up an earthly kingdom, but instead signified Jesus’s heavenly kingship and the soon coming victory of the cross.
But what I find intersting about the triumphal entry are the people who are entering with Jesus. Because as he enters Jersualem, look at who John says is with Him:
17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
John says as Jesus enters Jersualem, the people who had come to faith because of the resurrection of Lazarus are walking with Him. In fact, there’s a good chance Lazarus was with Him as well.
Why is this important? It’s important because these new believers aren’t just on the right path, they’re on the triumphal path with Jesus. They’re on the path that leads to ultimate victory. And what’s interesting is that the religous leaders even recognize it. Because listen to what Johns says their response was when they saw all of this taking place:
19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
The Pharisees are having a melt down. Why? Because everything they’ve done to try and stop Jesus up to this point has failed. And now everybody is coming to faith in Jesus. And now they are walking triumphantly with Him.
And not only that, but even the Greeks are starting too believe, because John goes on to write:
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
Here’s what this is saying to us, when you’re on the path that Jesus is on, you’re on the victorious path. You’re on the path that leads to ultimate victory. And the even the enemy knows it.
You might ask, “But pastor, how can we be sure what we are facing leads to victory?” You can know for two reasons:
Reason #1 - Jesus declares it.
Jesus puts it like this:
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
In this passage Jesus declares the soon coming victory. Jesus says, “I’m going to be lifted up, and when I am, the ruler of this world, the devil, will be cast out.”
What Jesus is pointing too is the victory of the cross. The victory that will come when He overcomes death, hell, and the grave. And we know this is what Jesus is talking about because John goes on to write:
33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
All that to say, if you’re on the path that Jesus is on, Jesus says you’re on the path that isn’t easy, but it leads to victory.
But there’s a second we can know we’re on the path to victory.
Reason #2 - Jesus proved it to be true.
While we aren’t going to take time to look at it, we know that Jesus’s words proved true. That in the days that followed Jesus was lifted up on a cross and that he died for our sins. But what we also know is that death couldn’t hold him. I love how Peter puts it in Acts 2:23-24
23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
The fact is, while Jesus suffered terribly, Jesus was victorious. Which means, if Jesus suffered, then those who follow Him are going to suffer. that doesn’t sound like good news, but it is. Because if you suffer because of your faith in Jesus, then you’re also going to walk in the victory He walked in.
And the fact is, the enemy doesn’t want you to live or focus on that victory. Instead, he wants you to believe that you are defeated. He wants you to focus on your current difficulty. He wants you to believe that God has abandoned you. To believe that you are being punished. To believe that following Jesus is a waste of time. To believe that the world is right and the church is wrong. He wants you to think that the current challenges and difficulties you are facing point to defeat when they actually point to victory.
A victory that is displayed in your faith in Jesus.
A victory that testifies to a new you.
A victory that declares the power of God.
A victory that exposes the lies of the enemy.
A victory that as led you out of darkness and into the light.
Jesus puts it like this:
44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
All that to say, I don’t know what you are facing tonight, but what I do know is that regardless of what your circumstances say, if you are following Jesus, you are not only on the right path, but you’re on the triumphal path. You’re on the path that leads to victory.
Is it an easy path? No. Will it lead to challenging days? Yes. But what you have to keep focused on is where the path leads. And it doesn’t end in your defeat. It ends in your ultimate victory.
It goes back to we talked about on Sunday as Jesus promises the church at Smyrna that their suffering will pay off. As Jesus says to them:
10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’
Jesus says be faithful. Jesus says don’t be afraid. Jesus says keep moving forward and one day I will give you the crown of life.
So, again, I’m not sure what the enemy is trying to defeat or discourage you with tonight, but what you need to remember is that your faith in Christ doesn’t lead to defeat, it leads to victory.
And so as we go to prayer tonight, I don’t want you to go with a spirit of defeat, but a spirit of victory. To claim the promises that Jesus gives us. And if you need a little direction of what to pray, then I would encourage you to focus in on Psalm 68 as the Psalmist proclaim the victory of God. Listen to what he says:
1 God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;
and those who hate him shall flee before him!
2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away;
as wax melts before fire,
so the wicked shall perish before God!
3 But the righteous shall be glad;
they shall exult before God;
they shall be jubilant with joy!
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the Lord;
exult before him!
5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
6 God settles the solitary in a home;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai,
before God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;
you restored your inheritance as it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
Prayer Time