Jesus meets our deepest needs
John 11:1-44
Introduction
Everyone will one day face grief because of the loss of a loved one or some other
tragedy of life. This knowledge in Itself does not offer us condolences or comfort.
However, there are many comforts we can receive from scripture and the life of Jesus
Christ. One such incident in the life of Christ is found in John 11. Here the death of
Lazarus gives us insight into death, grief, purpose, and hope as Christians.
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
As you know, Lazarus was a very good friend of Jesus, as were his sisters, Mary and Martha. When Jesus received word of Lazarus’ illness, he chose not to immediately go to Lazarus. Why do you suppose that was? The Bible indicates several reasons. 1) Jesus knew the final outcome. 2) Jesus knew that God would be glorified by what would transpire. 3) Jesus wanted to build the faith of Mary and Martha. 4) He wanted to build the faith of the other disciples (Vs 15).
I. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life
When Martha met Jesus her faith in him was evident as she said, “Lord,” if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (Jn 11:22)
A.Martha had a child-like faith
This reveals her faith but it was limited, not able to comprehend the resurrection of Lazarus at that time. Jesus then assures her that her brother would rise again. Martha misunderstood Jesus assurance, believing that Jesus was speaking of the general resurrection of the saints. Jesus, though, was referring to the immediate resurrection of Lazarus.
B.We also must have a child-like faith.
1.He and he alone possesses the power of life and death.
2.If you believe in Him (have a faith relationship) even if you die you will
live again.
ILLUSTRATION
A Muslim in Africa became a Christian and some of his friends asked him why?
He answered: Well, it is like this: suppose you were going down a road and suddenly the road forked in two directions. And you didn’t know which way to go.
If you met two men at the fork — one dead and one alive — which one would you ask to show you the way?”
3.Thirdly, everyone who lives and believes in him will never really die.
How is this?
Death is a grief producing event or process but it can serve to remind us, who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior that we do not really lose a loved one who passes away. We are only separated for a time while we remain in these temporal bodies. We will one day be together again before the Lord.
Illustration
“In one of his lighter moments, Benjamin Franklin penned his own epitaph.. The Body of B. Franklin, Printer Like the Cover of an old Book Its contents torn out, And stripped of its Lettering and Gilding, lies here, Food for Worms. But the Work shall not be wholly lost: For it will, as he believes, appear once more in a new & more perfect Edition”
Benjamin Franklin believed in the resurrection.
II.It is not wrong for us, who know Christ to weep, mourn and grieve.
A.Jesus himself wept and was deeply moved by Mary’s pain.
B.Jesus felt the pain of loss and wept. (John 11: 33)
C.Those who looked on had two recorded responses.
1.They knew by Jesus’ grief that he loved Lazarus (“See how he loved him!” Vs 36).
2.They questioned his motives for delay and his power by saying, “Could
not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from
dying~” (Jn 11:37)
III. Some Practical points in time of grief
A. Your strong faith will keep you.
Knowledge of where your loved one is can be a dry boat in the sea of storm
B. Take a period of time to rest and allow your soul a restoration.
When my friend Jerry lost his wife, he was in the middle of teaching Ephesians. His pastor stepped in to relieve him of that duty until Jerry was able to come back and resume his duties as teacher.
C. Lean on the family of God for support.
The earthly family can lend support but remember they too may be suffering the same loss.
D. Get back to work as soon as possible.
Focus your attention on ministry, so you don’t drown in self pity.
E. Live one day at a time.
“be not anxious for tomorrow for tomorrow will have worries enough of it’s own.
F. Minister to those family members that still need you.
Conclusion:
Here is what I would like to remind you of today.
1) Everyone will one-day feel the pain of grief and loss.
2) Jesus loves you and knows your grief and feels the pain with you.
3) As Christians we know that our loved ones who die are in a better place.
4) They are not really lost to us, only separated from us for a time.
5) Doubt and questioning ore normal in these situations.
6) Jesus offers eternity with him if we believe.
7) A better understanding of death is that In Christ we simply pass from life unto life. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. As the Apostle Paul said “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (I Corinthians 5:8) 8) We grieve as Christians, but not as those without hope. We can all rest in the assurances and comforts offered by our loving Lord and Savior. Take heart Jesus loves you and knows the pain you feel.
Illustration
In Valladolid (Val-la-de-lid), Spain, where Christopher Columbus died in 1506, stands a monument commemorating the great discoverer.
-Perhaps the most interesting feature of the memorial is a statue of a lion at the base of it where the Spanish National Motto is engraved.
-The lion is reaching out with its paw and is destroying one of the Latin words that had been part of Spain’s motto for centuries.
-Before Columbus made his voyages, the Spaniards thought they had reached the outer limits of
earth. -Thus their motto was “No More Beyond.”
-The word being torn away by the lion is “no” making it read “More Beyond.”
-Columbus had proven that there was indeed “more beyond.”
And the same is true for those that have discovered Jesus. There is “more beyond”.
1The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, ci 984. Zondervan: Grand Rapids
2The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, ci 984 . Zondervant Grand Rapids
