In the sermon "Lazarus, Come Forth," Tim James addresses the theological doctrines of resurrection and the personhood of Christ as both fully divine and fully human. He emphasizes that Jesus, who embodies the resurrection and the life, acts with empathy when responding to the mourning of Mary and Martha, showcasing His intimate connection with human suffering. Key Scripture references, particularly John 11:28-46, serve to illustrate how Jesus's raising of Lazarus is a manifestation of His divine authority and a foreshadowing of His own resurrection. James draws parallels between Lazarus’s physical resurrection and the spiritual resurrection of believers, underscoring the doctrine of regeneration and the effectual calling of the elect. The sermon culminates in illustrating that true freedom and life are found in Christ, countering health-and-wealth gospels that demand works for salvation.
Key Quotes
“He is the one who is fully God and fully man… the one who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, who weeps when we weep and mourns when we mourn.”
“The resurrection of a dead man is the glory of God.”
“If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.”
“Many Jews which came to Mary and had seen the things that Jesus did, believed on him.”
The Bible teaches that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, as seen in John 11:25.
In John 11:25, Jesus declares to Martha, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.' This statement emphasizes the centrality of Christ in resurrection and eternal life. The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own resurrection, demonstrating His authority over death. Moreover, the resurrection signifies not just the event itself but the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. It portrays a divine work where the spiritually dead are made alive through faith in Christ, ultimately affirming the believer's hope in future resurrection at the end of time.
John 11:25-26
Jesus' miracles and His own declarations in Scripture affirm His identity as the Son of God.
Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus' claim to be the Son of God is supported by His miracles, such as healing the blind and raising Lazarus from the dead. In John 11:27, Martha confesses her belief that Jesus is 'the Christ, the Son of God.' This personal testimony, alongside the profound acts of God He performed, serves as evidence of His divine nature. Furthermore, Jesus acknowledges His unique relationship with the Father, as shown in His prayers and teachings, which collectively affirm His identity as both fully God and fully man. The recognition of His Sonship is central to the assurance of salvation and the understanding of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
John 11:27, John 10:36
The resurrection of Lazarus confirms Jesus’ power over death and serves as a sign of hope for believers.
Lazarus' resurrection is significant for Christians as it demonstrates Jesus' authority over death and His role as the giver of life. In John 11:40, Jesus tells Martha, 'Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?' This incident not only brings glory to God but also foreshadows Christ's own resurrection, which provides assurance to believers of their future hope. For Christians, the resurrection of Lazarus serves as a powerful reminder that through faith in Christ, they, too, will experience resurrection and eternal life. The event illustrates the transformative power of Jesus to not only restore physical life but to bring spiritual awakening to His people.
John 11:40-44
'Jesus wept' shows His empathy and deep compassion for human suffering.
The shortest verse in the Bible, 'Jesus wept' (John 11:35), profoundly reveals the compassionate nature of Christ. His tears reflect His empathy for those mourning the death of Lazarus, demonstrating that He is intimately aware of human suffering. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, shares in our grief and sorrow, which affirms that He understands our struggles. This empathy is vital for Christians, as it reassures them that their Savior is not distant or apathetic but is deeply moved by their pain. Jesus' actions remind believers that they are not alone in their grief, as He walks alongside them in their trials, offering both comfort and hope.
John 11:35
Lazarus' resurrection illustrates the gospel's message of new life in Christ.
The story of Lazarus is a powerful illustration of the gospel, encapsulating the essence of salvation and new life through Christ. Just as Lazarus was called from the tomb to new life, so too are believers called from spiritual death to life in Christ. The act of Jesus calling Lazarus forth symbolizes the gospel's transformative power, where the dead become alive through faith. In John 11:43-44, Jesus commands, 'Lazarus, come forth!' indicating how He personally calls each of His elect. This narrative encapsulates the deeper spiritual reality of being 'born again' and signifies the hope of resurrection that lies at the heart of the Christian faith. The events surrounding Lazarus also affirm the need for individuals to respond in faith to Christ's call for salvation.
John 11:43-44
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