Pastor Tyrone S. Hillman, Jr
St. John 11:17-27 (ESV)
The resurrection isn’t an event but the person of Jesus Christ. Believers are taught to trust in a future hope that impacts our present condition. Believing that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life brings us to a stronger faith in his power, gives us a fuller knowledge of our future hope, and offers us a new identity in the present of our living hope.
Point #1: Jesus’ timing is intended to bring his loved ones to a stronger faith in his resurrection power. Verse 11:17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had been buried four days before.
Point #2: Jesus desires to give us a fuller knowledge of our future hope. Verse 23-24 (ESV) 23 “Your brother will rise to life,” Jesus told her. 24 “I know,” she replied, “that he will rise to life on the last day.”
Point #3: Jesus offers every believer a new identity in the present of a living hope. Verse 25-26 (ESV) 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; 26 and those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Journaling Prompts:
If Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, and could have healed him, why did he let him die? How does the future promise of eternal life change your perspective of your current situation? Why did Jesus’ weep and why did he delay coming to his sick friend’s side?
