I AM: Resurrection and Life
Series: Good News to Believe
February 19, 2023
Frank Foreman
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” --John 11:25-26 Eternal life.. that's the big prize, isn't it? Of all the promises of Jesus, that is the one that is the proverbial "cherry on top of the sundae." If you can excuse the pun, it is the one that has the everlasting appeal. ---------- The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthian church in fact reminds us of the incredible power of the Resurrection of Christ and the promise of our own eternity. It nullifies the greatest weapon in Satan's arsenal. Without the fear of death and its finality, his threats become baseless. ---------- "You will one day die... better enjoy it all now," Satan sneers with intimidating taunts. Jesus responds with the reminder, "Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."
Episode Notes
(Journal) John 11:25-26, Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
BIG IDEA: Jesus’ primary purpose was not to restore Lazarus to life or comfort his grieving sisters... Jesus’ purpose was God’s glory.
The resurrection of Lazarus displayed Christ’s glory in three ways:
1. Strengthened the faith of His disciples.
(Journal) John 11:14-15, Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
John 9:3, Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
2. Pointed unmistakably to His deity.
(Journal) John 11:25-27, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
Mark 8:31, And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.
3. Led Him directly to the cross.
(Journal) John 11:53, So from that day on they made plans to put Him to death.
Luke 9:51, When the days drew near for Him to be taken up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem.
NEXT STEP: As a Christian, death is not the end of our hopes and dreams... Discuss with your family how your life can better reflect that truth.
John 14:19b, Because I live, you also will live.
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