Believe and See
The Glory of The Resurrection and The Life
John 11:1-44
When we keep believing and trusting the Lord, we see His glory and witness things that we could have never seen or experienced in our own strength or understanding (cf. Prov. 3:5-6).
John’s account of Lazarus (the 7th sign) reveals the glory of Jesus’:
1. All-encompassing care and divine control (vs. 1-16)
- Jesus cares deeply about each one of us and sovereignly oversees the details of our lives, even when it is difficult for us to see (cf. 1 Pt. 5:7)
- Prioritize reaching out to Jesus when you feel helpless (cf. Mt. 11:28; Heb. 4:16)
- Following Jesus does not eliminate trouble from our lives, but when it comes, we can experience peace in Christ knowing that He is our victory (cf. Jn. 16:33; 1 Cor. 15:57)
On the journey and in the waiting, hold fast to the reality of His care and sovereign control over your life.
2. Assurance that those who believe in Him will have eternal life (vs. 17-37)
- In times of disappointment, we have the assurance to know that God is working for His glory and our good (cf. Rom. 8:28)
- The assurance of resurrection life (eternal life/abundant life) is both a present and future reality because resurrection life is a person: Jesus
- “He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life...” We never have to worry about life coming to an end because spiritual life is eternal (cf. Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 5:11-12)
Are you living with the peace, joy, and comfort that comes from the wonderful assurance that you have life, and have it to the full? Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (cf. vs. 25-26; Jn. 10:27-29).
3. Authority over death (vs. 38-44)
- When we walk by faith, we will see the glory of God in the midst of our circumstances
- All authority belongs to Jesus. He has absolute sovereign authority and lordship over all things, including life and death (cf. Mt. 28:18; Jn. 10:17-18)
- Jesus, not death, has the final word: “I am the resurrection and the life”
Praise God for the gift of Jesus! He defeated sin through His sacrificial death on the cross and conquered death through His resurrection from the dead. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you!” (1 Cor. 15:58a)
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