THE SIGN OF HIS POWER OVER DEATH
John 11:25–27; 38–44
While serving as a bivocational pastor in my first church, I was employed full time at a local funeral home. If you add that opportunity to my pastoral ministry since then, I have attended close to 300 funerals in my lifetime.
Some were terribly sad, some were contentious and only a handful of people attended others. Deaths of children, senior adults and all other ages have occurred. There have been car wrecks, suicides, cancer, heart attacks and a host of other causes of death, but one thing is clear — each person will pass from this life if given the time. Of course, no one likes to talk about death, but it is a reality for us all.
For many, death is their greatest fear. For Christians, it is yet another area where the believer can have hope and victory. The story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus comes near the end of Christ’s earthly ministry. The promise of everlasting life offered by Jesus is stronger and more lasting than any fear we may face.
Jesus is the Resurrection and Life. (25–27)
One of the many beautiful things found in the teachings and life of Christ is His ability to meet people where they are, no matter the situation or condition of their lives. His presence brought people peace and faith to face their difficulties. Martha, overwhelmed with grief, heard only part of what Jesus said.
In grief, our emotions are all over the place. Jesus understands this. His words for Martha then are also for us today. He reminded her that through Him, we can have a life that never ends.
To see God at work, we must obey Him, even when it doesn’t make sense. (38–40)
If we obey Jesus, He will call us to do things we would not choose otherwise. This may not sound easy, but choose to embrace it as an adventure of faith.
I doubt anyone in the crowd that day expected to see a tomb open and Lazarus coming forward. However, the glory of God is revealed as Jesus works on our behalf. Did Jesus need others’ help to move the stone? Of course not. But imagine the story they were able to share for the rest of their days!
No matter the situation, when Christ calls us to obedience, our only answer should be yes.
The work of Jesus draws us to put our faith in Him. (41–44)
When the will of God intersects with the Word of God, miraculous things happen. The only thing Lazarus contributed to this miracle was his death.
Grievers, onlookers, skeptics and commentators were in the crowd that day. No matter how they came to the scene that day, they all left having seen a dead man raised to life. This was due to the love of Jesus and His power over death.
A few days later, the most incredible display would occur when Jesus Himself was raised from the dead. His resurrection means life for all of us.
Lazarus would later die, but our Christ will live forever. The new life He gives us is to be celebrated and shared. Are you busy telling others about the power of Jesus over death?
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
