I. THE STORY OF LAZARUS IS VERY FAMILIAR
A. Man Who Lived In Bethany With His Sisters
B. Became Very Ill
C. When Jesus Came, Already Had Died
D. John 11:35 “Jesus wept” – shortest verse in the bible - profound
E. It Was At Lazarus’ Tomb, Jesus Made Great Proclamation
John 11:25-26 "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
F. Finally Jesus Raised Lazarus From Dead
II. FOCUS IN THIS MESSAGE IS ON STATEMENT JESUS MADE BEFORE HE EVER ARRIVED AT BETHANY
A. Upon Hearing Lazarus Was Sick, Jesus Said "This sickness is not unto death…”
B. Yet Lazarus Did Die –Was Jesus A Liar?
III. THINGS I LEARN FROM JESUS’ STATEMENT
A. He Acknowledges That Sickness Is Real
B. He Acknowledges That Death Is Real
1. I wish it wasn’t real, but it is
2. I wish it wasn’t real because
a. it’s a scary thing sometimes
b. it’s a mysterious thing sometimes – leaves lots of questions
c. it’s a thing that sometimes hurts – those who are left behind
C. What About The Statement, “This Sickness Is Not Unto Death”
1. Basically means, “This sickness will not end in death”
a. “this sickness includes death…”
b. “but this sickness will not end in death”
2. Life includes death, but does not end in death
3. Jesus would come with the proclamation
a. “I am the resurrection & the life…he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live”
b. proved it by coming to Lazarus’ tomb: “Lazarus, come forth”
4. There is life after death for that one who’s trusted in Christ
5. Jesus said in John 14:1-4 - "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
D. Finally, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus”
1. Today, may you also feel Jesus’ love
2. As Jesus wept then, he weeps with you now
3. Even though you know she’s in a better place, okay to weep
4. Psalm 23, “Ye thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”
5. His rod is one arm & His staff his other arm – God’s spirit hugging you.
FINAL PRAYER
