Hello, My Name Is... Series

Hello, my name is...

The Testimony of Lazarus.

Key verse: Mark 5:19, “... Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”

Text: John 12:9-11

(9) Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. ?(10)? But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; ?(11)? Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

(ref: The death and resurrection of Lazarus: Ref: John 11:32-35, 43-44, 53, 57. 12:1-11)

Today I would like to focus on “The Power of a Testimony.”

Illustration: In many recovery groups such as AA, the participants are encouraged to share their names and how long they have been sober. It goes something like this, “Hello, my name is Sarah, I’m an Alcoholic, but I have been sobered for 12 years.” She is greeted, “Hello Sarah.”

Humor: One man stood up and said, “Hello, my name is David, but I had my “ID” stolen, so just call me “Dav.”

For the Believer, it should go something like this, “Hello, my name is LC, I used to be a lost sinner, now I am a Price, a child of the King!” For because of the grace of God and His great salvation, we are no longer what we used to be, we are new creatures in Christ!

As we have looked at the dinner that Christ’s friends gave to Him, we noted that several personalities are mentioned:

Mary is best known as the worshiper of Christ.

Martha is known as the worker of Christ.

Judas is known as the wicked one who betrayed Christ.

Today, I would like to look at Lazarus, we will call him “The Witness of Christ.”

Now, all followers are and should be witnesses of Christ and what He has done for us.

NOTE: I think even though not a single word that Lazarus spoke is recorded in Scripture, he still has something to say to us. The verses we will take a look at have to do with the impact Lazarus’s testimony had and then we draw some principles to encourage us.

Background:

Preceding the supper of chapter 12, we read of the miracle of the death and resurrection of Lazarus. John 11.

Lazarus became sick, and Martha and Mary sent for Jesus.

Jesus waited until 4 days. Lazarus died, was wrapped in grave clothes, and laid in a tomb.

Jesus came to the scene. Jesus wept. “I am the resurrection and life!” John 11:25-26

Jesus raised him from the dead, still in grave wrappings.

Many believed in Jesus, John 11:45, while at the same time, many refused to believe!

Jewish leaders put out a wanted poster on Jesus: Report Him, turn Him in. John 11:53, 57

There was a Stir in Town!

Before the PASSOVER, many were gathered to celebrate. John 12:1

Judas proceeds to meet with the Jewish leaders to betray Christ!

The crowds came together and were excited because of the miracle of Lazarus.

In Lazarus, there was “A Man.” “A miracle.” “A Message!”

1. There was the man Lazarus who had died.

2. There was the miracle, Jesus had raised him to life!

3. There was the message! The testimony of Lazarus. A Living Witness!

Every child of God has a Miracle Testimony!

1. There is the man or woman, and the life you lived. The condition you were in before Jesus found you. Dead in trespasses and sin! Separated from God, from joy and peace! Heading for Hell!

2. There is the miracle! When we were saved, we were born again! God gave us His Holy Spirit! God gave us a new life. God filled us with His love, joy, and peace! We became children of God!

3. There is the message! The way we live our lives, and the words of our mouths should give glory to God and reflect the fact that we are “Children in God’s family!” New creatures!

Examples in Scripture:

Moses: From Killer to Leader ...

Joseph: From Rejected to Ruler ...

Rahab: From Harlot to Hero.

Elijah: From Fearful to Faithful ...

David: From Shepherd to King ...

Gadarian Maniac: From someone who terrorized to someone who testified!

Mary Magdalene: From Demoniac To Disciple ...

The woman at the well: From a Wasted Life to Wonderful Witness!

The Philippian Jailer- From a cruel hopeless official to a kind joyful believer!

Paul: From Persecutor to Preacher ...

Old cliche: “I'm not what I should be, and not what I’m gonna be, but praise God, I’m not what I used to be!”

How to Share Your Salvation Testimony