Introduction

Welcome, beloved congregation, to this blessed gathering where we seek to immerse ourselves in the divine wisdom of the Holy Scriptures. We are here to deepen our understanding of the profound truths of our faith, to strengthen our spirits, and to nourish our souls with the Word of God.

As we gather together today, let us turn our hearts and minds to the book of John, specifically chapter 11, verses 14 through 26. This passage brings us face to face with the very essence of our Christian faith - the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, His power over death, and the promise of eternal life.

Let's read together: "Then Jesus told them plainly, 'Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.' So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him.' Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.' Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again.' Martha said to him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

In the midst of life's trials and tribulations, we often find ourselves grappling with questions about life, death, and eternity. Today, we are reminded of the comforting words of the esteemed Christian author, J.I. Packer, who once said, "The Christian's life in all its aspects - intellectual and ethical, devotional and relational, upsurging in worship and outgoing in witness - is supernatural; only the Spirit can initiate and sustain it. So apart from Him, not only will there be no lively believers and no lively congregations, there will be no believers and no congregations at all."

Indeed, the power of Christ's resurrection and the promise of eternal life are supernatural gifts, given to us by the grace of God through the Holy Spirit. These gifts are not mere theological doctrines, but life-transforming truths that shape our identity, our purpose, and our destiny.

Personification of Resurrection in Christ

In the heart of the passage we find a profound truth, a truth that forms the cornerstone of our faith. Jesus, in his conversation with Martha, makes a declaration that is both bold and beautiful. He says, "I am the resurrection and the life." This is not a metaphor or a simile. It is a statement of identity. Jesus is not merely saying that he has the power to resurrect or that he can give life. He is saying that he is resurrection itself, he is life itself.

This declaration changes how we understand Jesus, how we understand resurrection, and how we understand life. It's not just about what Jesus can do, it's about who he is. He is not just a miracle-worker who can raise the dead. He is the source of life, the conqueror of death, the embodiment of resurrection.

This truth has profound implications for our faith. It means that our faith is not just in what Jesus can do for us, but in who he is. Our faith is not just in his power, but in his person. We don't just believe in his miracles, we believe in him. We don't just trust in his promises, we trust in his person. We don't just hope in his resurrection, we hope in him.

This truth also has profound implications for our understanding of resurrection. Resurrection is not just an event that will happen in the future, it is a person we can know and experience now. The resurrection is a person who gives life before death. Resurrection is not just a doctrine to be believed, it is a person to be loved, followed, and worshiped. Life is not just a biological process, it is a spiritual relationship.

This truth also has profound implications for our understanding of death. Death is not the end, it is the beginning. Death is not a defeat, it is a victory. Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life, death has lost its sting, the grave has lost its victory. Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life, we can face death with hope, with courage, with joy.

Power of Christ Over Death

In the narrative of Lazarus, we find a vivid demonstration of Christ's power over death ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO