John 11:17-27 "The Resurrection and the Life"

Trusting Christ’s Power Over Life and Death

Sermon Outline: The Problem of Death • The Crisis of Belief • The Source of Life • A Critical Question

Scripture List: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Scripture Reading), John 11:17-27 (Sermon Text), Daniel 12:2, Job 19:25-27, Psalm 103:14, Psalm 116:15, Ecclesiastes 1:2, John 1:4, John 3:18, John 5:21, John 5:24, John 5:28-29, John 6:39-40, John 12:10, Hebrews 9:27, 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

In John 11:17-27, we encounter the profound dialogue between Jesus and Martha following the death of her brother, Lazarus. As Martha grieves, Jesus comforts her by revealing that He is the Resurrection and the Life. This powerful declaration offers hope in the face of death and challenges us with a fundamental question: Do we truly believe that Jesus is the source of life? While Martha affirms her faith in the future resurrection, she struggles to grasp the immediate power Jesus possesses to give life, both now and eternally. This passage serves as a reminder of the reality of death, the hope found in Christ, and the crisis of belief that we all face in moments of grief and loss. Jesus not only demonstrates His authority over death but also invites us to trust in His power to provide eternal life.

The Power of Jesus Over Life and Death

In the passage, Jesus boldly claims, "I am the Resurrection and the Life." He promises that those who believe in Him will never truly die, even if their physical bodies succumb to death. Martha, though grieving, expresses her faith in the future resurrection but has difficulty comprehending how Jesus’ power can extend beyond death’s reach in the present moment. Jesus’ message to the original audience was clear: He holds dominion over death, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him. This message was meant to inspire faith and provide comfort to those in the midst of mourning, pointing them to the hope that death is not the final word.

For believers today, this passage is a reminder that Jesus' power over life and death remains unchanged. Even in our own grief and loss, we can hold fast to the assurance that Christ's victory over death offers hope for both this life and the one to come. We are called to live with the expectancy of resurrection, knowing that physical death is not the end, but a passage to eternal life through Jesus.

Key Scriptures on Life and Resurrection:

1. John 11:17-27: Jesus declares Himself as the Resurrection and the Life, promising eternal life for those who believe.
    
2. Hebrews 9:27: It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.
    
3. Ecclesiastes 1:2: "Vanity of vanities," emphasizing the fleeting nature of life.
    
4. Psalm 116:15: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints," highlighting the sacredness of death for believers.
    
5. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57: "The victory over sin and death is through Jesus Christ."

Key Words and Concepts

1. Resurrection: Jesus’ power to raise the dead and offer eternal life.
    
2. Life: Spiritual life, granted through belief in Jesus, contrasted with physical death.
    
3. Belief: Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, essential for eternal life.
    
4. Eternal Life: The gift of unending life granted to those who believe in Jesus.

Key People

1. Jesus: The central figure in this passage, identifying Himself as the Resurrection and the Life. He assures believers of eternal life, even beyond physical death.
    
2. Martha: The sister of Lazarus, grappling with the reality of her brother's death and the hope of resurrection. Her encounter with Jesus highlights the crisis of belief.
    
3. Lazarus: Though not directly involved in the conversation here, Lazarus’ resurrection becomes a powerful illustration of Jesus' claim to be the source of life.

Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life

The message to the original audience, particularly those around Martha and Jesus, was a profound revelation of Jesus' divine authority over life and death. By stating that He is "the Resurrection and the Life," Jesus provided assurance that belief in Him offers victory over death. This statement was meant to encourage faith in Jesus, especially when facing trials, grief, and loss, by pointing them to the hope of eternal life.

Applications for Believers Today

1. Faith in Christ's Power: Belief in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life is the foundation for eternal life.
    
2. Hope in Eternal Life: Death is not the end for believers, but a transition to eternal life with God.
    
3. Restoration Through God: Christians should live with the hope of resurrection and share this hope with others.
    
4. Trust His Perfect Timing: Trust in Jesus' timing and power, even in the midst of suffering and grief.

Conclusion: The Victory Over Death

In conclusion, John 11:17-27 offers us both comfort and challenge. The death of Lazarus prompts a profound question: Do we believe that Jesus is truly the source of life, not just in a future resurrection, but in the here and now? Jesus’ declaration as the Resurrection and the Life speaks to us today, reminding us of the hope that transcends death and the eternal life that is offered through faith in Him. Just as He demonstrated His power by raising Lazarus from the dead, we can trust that Jesus holds the power over both physical and eternal death, offering life to all who believe. As believers, we are called to live with the hope of resurrection, sharing this message with others and trusting in Christ's power to restore and give life.