Intro: When John the Baptist died tragically, the
disciples of Jesus exemplified what we must do today
when our loved ones die. Let us notice what verse
14 says:
I. THE DISCIPLES CAME
1. They stopped what they were doing, came
together from various places.
2. Sadly, funerals are about the only time some
families get together anymore...but today
many of you have stopped, travelled long
distances, and have come together to show
love and sympathy during this time.
3. The disciples were about the only family
John the Baptist had left...and they came
together for an important task.
II. THEY TOOK UP THE BODY AND BURIED IT
1.I know of no one who is comfortable with
the painful but necessary task of making
arrangements for the burial of the body
of a loved one.
2.In the disciples’ case, it was the same...
no matter how upsetting, unpleasant, or
uncomfortable, the task had to be done..
and it was the RIGHT THING TO DO to see
that John the Baptist got a decent burial.
3.Scripture teaches that those who personally
receive Jesus as Savior, inviting him
to come into their heart and cleanse them
from sin can look forward to a day when
our bodies will be raised from the grave,
re-joined with our spirits, and be re-united
with Christ and our saved loved ones forever.
4.So today, we, like the disciples, gather to
do what is "right" and "necessary"...and that
is as it should be.
III. THEY WENT AND TOLD JESUS
1. This is my favorite part of this verse.
2. They were grieving the loss of John the
Baptist, and were heavy-hearted over the
task of burying his body....they were
emotionally drained...
3. But after they did what was necessary,
they IMMEDIATELY WENT AND TOLD JESUS about
it all.
4. I am GLAD TO SAY that you and I can tell
Jesus about anything, any time, as many times
as necessary...and he will always listen and
help us through.
5. SONG: I MUST TELL JESUS ALL OF MY TRIALS
I CANNOT BEAR MY BURDENS ALONE
IN MY DISTRESS HE KINDLY WILL HELP ME
HE EVER LOVES AND CARES FOR HIS OWN.
6.In the days to come, the relatives will all
return home, things will get back to somewhat
of a routine...and then is when you may sense
a real need to talk to someone...YOU CAN GO
TO JESUS AND TELL HIM OF YOUR HURT, YOUR
CONFUSION, YOUR FEARS, whatever is bothering
you!
7.He will hear, help, and heal our broken
hearts...and he will UNDERSTAND OUR EMOTIONS.
8.Scripture says Jesus was a "man of sorrows
aquainted with grief."
Conclusion: Yes, we come together today, painfully
doing what is necessary at a time like this. When
we leave this cemetary, we can GO AND TELL JESUS
ALL ABOUT OUR TROUBLES AND WE CAN REST ASSURED THAT
HE WILL HELP US BEGIN TO RECOVER FROM THIS EXPERIENCE.
