The Result of the Resurrection of Lazarus ~ John 11:45-57
Pastor John Opferman
10:00 AM
October 6, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Scripture for the day: John 11:45-57.
Background of the passage: Lazarus’ resurrection as the miraculous event preceding this text.
The Miracle of Lazarus (John 11:43-44)
Jesus publicly raised Lazarus from the dead after four days, signifying the completion of a full death.
Unlike other miracles, this one was intentionally public.
Jesus openly declared Lazarus' resurrection to all gathered at the tomb.
Jesus’ miracles were not just acts of compassion but declarations of His divinity.
Key Point: Jesus is now showing everyone, beyond doubt, that He is the Messiah, the Son of God.
The Reaction of the People (John 11:45-46)
Some believed in Jesus after seeing the miracle.
The resurrection of Lazarus led many Jews to believe Jesus was the promised Messiah.
However, some went to the Pharisees to report what Jesus had done.
Not everyone who witnessed the miracle accepted Jesus.
Key Point: The same event can lead to belief in some and rejection in others.
The Pharisees' Response (John 11:47-48)
The religious leaders feared Jesus’ influence and the potential consequences for their power and nation.
Concern: If more people believed in Jesus, they feared that Rome would intervene, taking away their status and control.
Irony: Their attempt to preserve their nation and temple by rejecting Jesus ultimately led to their destruction (AD 70, Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed).
Key Point: Rejecting Jesus, who could save, led to the very outcome they feared.
The Prophecy of Caiaphas (John 11:49-52)
Caiaphas, the high priest, prophesied that one man (Jesus) should die for the nation.
Although Caiaphas was not a believer, God used him to prophesy the truth.
Jesus’ death was not just for the nation of Israel, but for all of God’s scattered children (foreshadowing the gathering of all believers, Jews, and Gentiles).
Key Point: God can use even unbelievers to fulfill His purposes. Like Balaam in the Old Testament, Caiaphas’ words were part of God’s greater plan.
The Plot to Kill Jesus (John 11:53-54)
After Caiaphas' statement, the religious leaders actively plotted Jesus' death.
Prophecy Misunderstood: They misunderstood that the Messiah must die to save, and they twisted it into a plot to kill Him.
Jesus withdrew to a more secluded area, knowing the time for His death had not yet come.
God's timing is perfect, and His control is seen throughout the narrative.
Key Point: Jesus, the Lamb of God, would die on Passover, fulfilling God's plan of salvation at the exact appointed time.
The Coming Passover and the Rising Tension (John 11:55-57)
The Passover was approaching, and all of Israel was preparing to gather in Jerusalem.
Jesus would soon enter Jerusalem in a public way, which would set the stage for His death.
The religious leaders gave orders for anyone who knew where Jesus was to report it so they could arrest Him.
Key Point: Jesus is fully aware of the danger, but He remains in control, preparing to fulfill His role as the Passover Lamb for the salvation of the world.
Faith and Betrayal (Two Responses to Jesus)
Faith: Those who believed in Jesus saw the miracles and understood their significance because they had faith.
Scripture Reference: Nathaniel (John 1:48-50) – believed because of Jesus' insight and was promised to see greater things.
Key Point: Faith in Jesus opens the door to seeing even greater works and miracles.
Betrayal: Those who rejected Jesus saw the same miracles but refused to believe, instead betraying Him.
Like the Pharisees and Judas Iscariot, they saw but did not believe because of hardened hearts.
Key Point: Without faith, even miracles will not convince someone to believe in Jesus.
The Eternal Proof: The Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus’ own resurrection is the ultimate miracle that proves He is the Messiah.
The Tomb is Empty: No one has ever been able to disprove this fact. Jesus rose from the dead and showed Himself to many witnesses.
Key Point: The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian faith. Without it, faith is meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:14).
Conclusion: Belief or Betrayal?
Just like in Jesus' time, people today must decide whether to believe in Jesus or betray Him.
Invitation: Encourage listeners to put their faith in Christ, trust His word, and experience the fullness of life He offers.
Call to Action: Trust Christ today, and do not delay.
Biblical References:
John 11:45-57 - Main text of the sermon, covering the events after the resurrection of Lazarus, reactions from the people, and the plotting of the Pharisees.
John 1:48-51 - Jesus’ interaction with Nathanael under the fig tree, where Jesus demonstrates His divine knowledge and Nathanael acknowledges Him as the Son of God.
John 1:29 - John the Baptist’s declaration: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” referring to Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.
Luke 16:19-31 - The story of the rich man and Lazarus, where the rich man in hell asks Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his family.
Romans 9:17 - A reference to Pharaoh’s role in God’s plan: “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.'"
1 Corinthians 15:14 - Reference to the resurrection of Jesus: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”
2 Corinthians 6:2 - Implied reference to the urgency of salvation: “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
Reflection Questions
What does the resurrection of Lazarus teach us about Jesus' power over life and death, and how does it strengthen your faith in His identity as the Son of God?
Why do some people, even after witnessing miracles, still reject Jesus, and how does this challenge us to examine our own faith and the role of belief in God’s Word?
In what ways does Caiaphas' prophecy about Jesus’ death reveal God's ability to work through unexpected people and situations? How can you trust God in situations that seem beyond your control?
How does Jesus' response to His approaching death and the religious leaders' plot to kill Him show His trust in God’s timing? How can you apply this trust in your own life when faced with challenges?
Considering the urgency of salvation mentioned in the sermon, how can you ensure that you are not delaying your response to God’s call? What steps can you take to share this urgency with others?
Daily Activities
Daily Scripture Reflection and Prayer:
Activity: Set aside 15 minutes each day to read and reflect on a passage from the Gospel of John, starting with chapter 11. After reading, spend time in prayer, asking God to open your heart to His Word and increase your faith, especially in areas where you struggle to trust Him.
Application: This will strengthen your belief in God's Word and help you recognize His power in your life, as seen in the miracles of Jesus.
Share Your Testimony:
Activity: Share with a friend, family member, or co-worker how Jesus has impacted your life. Focus on how your faith in Christ has grown through answered prayers or personal experiences.
Application: Like the witnesses of Lazarus’ resurrection, sharing your story of faith may help others believe and see Jesus for who He truly is.
Trust God's Timing in Challenges:
Activity: Identify a current challenge you are facing and write down how you can trust God’s timing and control in this situation, similar to how Jesus trusted the Father’s timing for His own death and resurrection.
Application: This activity will help you actively surrender your anxieties to God and trust that He is in control, even when things seem uncertain.
Invite Others to Church or a Bible Study:
Activity: This week, invite someone who does not know Christ or who may be distant from their faith to attend church with you or join a Bible study.
Application: Just as Nathanael was brought to Jesus by Philip, this small step can introduce someone to the transformative power of faith in Christ.
Serve in a Ministry or Outreach:
Activity: Sign up to volunteer in a ministry at your church or participate in an outreach event in your community. Use this opportunity to reflect Jesus' love to others and show the reality of His resurrection in your actions.
Application: Serving others helps you live out your faith in a tangible way, demonstrating that Jesus’ resurrection is not just a historical event but a life-changing truth that compels us to love and serve others.
