stephen R Harrison

“Out of the Tomb”

“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

-John 11:25-26

John 11 is a great passage to preach at funerals because of the hope and compassion we see from Jesus toward his friends who have suffered loss. Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus as they were friends. John 11:5 says, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus”. When reading this story, one might ask, “Then why did he stay two more days where he was when he learned Lazarus had died?”. Jesus told his disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up”. They still didn’t understand, which brought a more pointed reply from Jesus, “Lazarus is dead” (v. 14). Was Jesus going to a visitation before a funeral? Was he attending a graveside service? Both are loving actions, but something more significant was about to take place.

In another encounter with Mary and Martha (Luke 10), Mary sat at Jesus’ feet while her sister Martha worked feverishly in the other room. Jesus taught Martha that day not to be worried and upset about many things but to choose the better – the Lord’s presence (vv. 41-42). When Jesus found the sisters after Lazarus, the roles reversed. Martha ran out to see him first while Mary stayed home (John 11:20). Jesus gave Martha what she needed at that moment – truth. Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again” (v. 23). Martha knew he would at the resurrection at the last day, but Jesus reminded her of the most important truth – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” This not only included her brother but also her! He then asked her this: “Do you believe this?” Her response should be our own, “Yes, Lord. I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who has come into this world.” Jesus is our resurrection and hope of eternal life! That’s the truth we all need!

Martha went home and told her sister, “The Teacher is asking for you” (v. 28). Oh, how patient and loving Jesus is with us in our deepest times of hurt and confusion. Jesus gave Martha truth, but he would give Mary what she needed at that moment as well – tears. Mary needed to see the Lord’s compassion. She needed her best friend to be near in her sorrow and grief. She fell at his feet in worship when she saw him, indicating her continued devotion to him. What he did in response reminds us of his ability to identify with us in our grief and sorrow. It’s my son’s favorite Bible verse: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). This brought a response from the Jews, “See how he loved him” (v. 36). Jesus is a compassionate Lord in our time of need. He proved his love with his presence and the truth that he is the hope of resurrected life for all who believe. 

Lent reminds us that Jesus has power over death and the grave. He has compassion for us when we suffer loss, but more than that, he gives us eternal life because of his resurrection. He raised Lazarus because he is the resurrection and the life. We are reminded of his love, grace, patience, and more. May this Lenten season renew our passion for our Lord, Messiah, the Son of God, and our Resurrection and Life. May we grow in worship as we look forward to worship on Easter Sunday.

Questions: 

Why must we be reminded of the truth of Jesus’ resurrection?

Do you ever feel the Lord is far from you during sorrow and grief? 

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for telling us the truth that you are the resurrection and life. We believe you save us from our sins and give us hope for eternity. We also pray that you provide us with compassion for our suffering. Thank you for your truth and your tears. We trust you, our Lord, Messiah, and Son of God. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Read: 

John 11:1-45

Action Step:

Do you know someone struggling with grief? How can you use the truths of John 11 to encourage and comfort them? Ask the Lord to show you practical ways to help them in their need. Pray they know Jesus as the resurrection and life and find comfort in his presence.