The Resurrection and the Life

John 11:1-44

– The raising of Lazarus from the dead foreshadows Jesus own resurrection, proves that Jesus has power over death and pictures in a wonderful way the miracle of salvation

I.  Lazarus’ Condition

1.     Lazarus was dead (v. 14)

2.     His physical body was decaying (vv. 38-39)

3.     His case was hopeless from a human perspective (v. 33)

4.     Like Lazarus, we were all dead in sins at one time and without any hope of rescue

II. Jesus’ Call

1.     The call was personal – “Lazarus” (v. 43)

2.     The call was precise – “come out” (v. 43)

3.     The call was powerful (v. 44)

4.     Like Lazarus, the call of God on our lives demands a response and brings us from spiritual death to eternal life

III. Martha’s Confession

1.     Jesus identifies Himself as the “resurrection and the life”

a.      Faith in Christ has future consequences (v. 25)

b.     Faith in Christ has present consequences (v. 26)

2.     Martha openly confesses her faith in Christ in response to Jesus’ question: “Do you believe this?”

3.     What is your response to Jesus?  Do you also believe this?