Sermons on John 11:1-44

John 11:1-44 Interpretation:

Embracing Hope: Jesus in Our Struggles (The River Anglican Church) interprets John 11:1-44 by emphasizing the profound nature of Jesus as the resurrection and the life. The sermon highlights the importance of being honest with God about our disappointments and struggles, as exemplified by Mary and Martha's interactions with Jesus. It also explores the idea that Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus was intentional to reveal God's glory, suggesting that God's timing is unique and purposeful. The sermon uses the Greek term for "deeply moved" to describe Jesus' emotional response, indicating a sense of indignation against sin and death.

Walking with God: Embracing Faith Amidst Trials (Reach Church Paramount) offers a unique perspective by focusing on the timing of Jesus' actions. The sermon suggests that Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus was not a sign of neglect but rather a demonstration of His unique timing, which is always purposeful and for God's glory. The sermon uses the analogy of an earthquake to illustrate how people react differently to crises, emphasizing the importance of relying on God's presence rather than seeking immediate answers.

Faith and Timing: Embracing God's Presence in Pain (Access Church) interprets John 11:1-44 by emphasizing the emotional and relational aspects of the story. The sermon highlights the tension and pain experienced by Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, urging listeners to forget the end of the story and live in the moment of waiting and uncertainty. It draws attention to the radical faith of Martha, who, despite her grief, expresses belief in Jesus' power even after Lazarus has been dead for four days. The sermon uses this to illustrate the concept of radical faith, which involves seeing with God's eyes and believing in miracles even when they seem impossible.

Embracing Faith Amid Doubt: The Power of Resurrection (X Church) interprets John 11:1-44 as a prelude to the Easter story, emphasizing the tension between human disappointment and divine timing. The sermon highlights the emotional struggle of Mary and Martha, who felt abandoned by Jesus, and uses this to illustrate the concept of holding disappointment in one hand and faith in the other. The preacher uses the analogy of permanent realities, like gravity and time, to contrast with the impermanence of death through Jesus' resurrection.

From Death to Life: The Power of Jesus (Canvas Church) offers a unique interpretation by focusing on the Greek word "Sayan," meaning sign, to explain that the miracles of Jesus, including the raising of Lazarus, are signs pointing to a greater truth. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' delay was intentional, to demonstrate his power over death and to strengthen the faith of his followers. The preacher uses the analogy of a "M drop Miracle" to describe the raising of Lazarus as the ultimate proof of Jesus' divine authority.

From Dead Ends to New Beginnings with Jesus (Paradox Church) interprets the passage as a demonstration that there are no dead ends with Jesus, even in death. The sermon uses the analogy of a dead-end road to illustrate how Jesus transforms seemingly hopeless situations into opportunities for new life. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus' statement "I am the resurrection and the life" is not just about physical resurrection but about the transformative power of Jesus in all aspects of life.

Trusting God's Timing and Purposes in Disappointment (Fierce Church) interprets the passage by focusing on the emotional responses of Mary and Martha and the importance of trusting in God's timing. The sermon highlights the dual emotions of Jesus—anger at death and compassion for the mourners—and uses this to illustrate the complexity of divine love. The preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus and trusting in his purposes, even when they are not immediately apparent.

Finding Hope in Disappointment with God (Granville Chapel) interprets John 11:1-44 by emphasizing the natural human experience of disappointment, even with God. The sermon highlights that Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus was not a failure but a part of a divine plan to reveal God's glory. The preacher uses the analogy of disappointment as a "cancer" that grows if kept in the dark, encouraging believers to bring their feelings to God openly.

Trusting God's Timing: The Miracle of Lazarus (Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church) interprets the passage by focusing on the divine timing and purpose behind Jesus' actions. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' delay was intentional to demonstrate God's glory and that believers should trust God's plan, even when it seems delayed. The preacher uses the analogy of spiritual sleep and awakening to describe Lazarus' death and resurrection.

Divine Timing: The Resurrection and Our Faith (fbspartanburg) interprets the passage by highlighting the shocking nature of resurrection and the divine timing involved. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' delay was purposeful to glorify God and that believers should trust in God's timing, which is different from human timing. The preacher uses the analogy of waiting for the right moment in sports and music to illustrate the concept of divine timing.

Jesus: Compassion in Our Grief and Disappointment (HBC Chester) interprets John 11:1-44 by focusing on Jesus' interactions with Mary and Martha during their time of grief. The sermon highlights how Jesus meets each sister in their unique emotional state, providing comfort and understanding rather than immediate solutions. This approach emphasizes the relational aspect of Jesus' ministry, showing that He is present in our pain and grief, not just in performing miracles. The sermon also contrasts the different responses of Mary and Martha to their brother's death, illustrating how Jesus addresses each individual's needs and emotions.

John 11:1-44 Theological Themes:

Embracing Hope: Jesus in Our Struggles (The River Anglican Church) presents the theme of resurrection as a metaphor for new beginnings and hope in seemingly hopeless situations. It emphasizes that resurrection is not just a future event but a present reality that brings life to dead situations.

Walking with God: Embracing Faith Amidst Trials (Reach Church Paramount) introduces the theme of Jesus offering a "greater life," which is expansive and increases one's capacity to handle life's challenges. This theme highlights the transformative power of walking closely with Jesus, which brings about personal growth and resilience.

Faith and Timing: Embracing God's Presence in Pain (Access Church) presents the theme that God's timing is not our timing, and that waiting on God can be a test of faith. The sermon suggests that radical faith is required in situations where the only answer could be a miracle, and that this faith involves seeing with God's eyes, which may mean recognizing miracles in unexpected forms, such as a change in perspective or attitude.

Embracing Faith Amid Doubt: The Power of Resurrection (X Church) presents the theme of authentic faith as the ability to hold disappointment and belief simultaneously. The sermon emphasizes that true faith is not contingent on circumstances but is a steadfast trust in Jesus' power and love.

From Death to Life: The Power of Jesus (Canvas Church) introduces the theme of divine delay as an expression of love. The sermon suggests that God's timing, though often perceived as late, is perfect and serves a greater purpose in revealing his glory and strengthening faith.

From Dead Ends to New Beginnings with Jesus (Paradox Church) explores the theme of resurrection as a present reality, not just a future hope. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' power to bring life extends beyond physical death to all areas of life where we experience dead ends.

Trusting God's Timing and Purposes in Disappointment (Fierce Church) highlights the theme of God's friendship and empathy. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' dual emotions of anger and sadness demonstrate his deep understanding and compassion for human suffering.

Finding Hope in Disappointment with God (Granville Chapel) presents the theme that disappointment with God is not a lack of faith but a natural part of the human experience. The sermon emphasizes that God invites believers to bring their disappointments to Him for healing and that His love is not measured by circumstances.

Trusting God's Timing: The Miracle of Lazarus (Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church) introduces the theme of divine timing and the idea that God's plans cannot be altered by human expectations. The sermon emphasizes that believers should trust in God's plan and timing, even when it seems delayed or contrary to human understanding.

Divine Timing: The Resurrection and Our Faith (fbspartanburg) presents the theme of divine timing and the idea that God's timing is perfect, even when it involves waiting. The sermon emphasizes that believers should trust in God's timing and purpose, which may involve waiting for the right moment for His glory to be revealed.

Jesus: Compassion in Our Grief and Disappointment (HBC Chester) presents the theme that Jesus' presence in our lives is not solely about performing acts or miracles but about understanding and sharing in our human experiences, including grief and disappointment. The sermon suggests that knowing Jesus' ways and character is as important as knowing His acts, emphasizing the relational and compassionate nature of Jesus.

John 11:1-44 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Embracing Hope: Jesus in Our Struggles (The River Anglican Church) provides historical context by explaining the geographical setting of Bethany and its proximity to Jerusalem. It also describes the cultural practice of mourning and the significance of Jesus' presence at Lazarus' tomb.

Faith and Timing: Embracing God's Presence in Pain (Access Church) provides insight into the cultural context of the time by explaining that Jesus was only two miles away from Bethany, highlighting the significance of his delay in coming to Lazarus. This detail underscores the emotional weight of the story and the perceived inaction of Jesus, which adds depth to the narrative and the eventual miracle.

From Death to Life: The Power of Jesus (Canvas Church) provides historical context by explaining the Jewish superstition recorded in the Talmud that a soul hovers around the body for three days after death. This insight highlights the significance of Jesus waiting four days to raise Lazarus, ensuring that there was no doubt about the miracle.

Divine Timing: The Resurrection and Our Faith (fbspartanburg) provides historical context by explaining the Jewish belief that a spirit would hover around a body for two to three days after death, making Lazarus' four-day death significant as it emphasized the finality of his death and the miraculous nature of his resurrection.

John 11:1-44 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing Hope: Jesus in Our Struggles (The River Anglican Church) references Isaiah 53 to draw parallels between the suffering servant and Jesus' role in bringing life and hope. The sermon uses this passage to emphasize Jesus' power to bring life where there is death.

Anchored Hope: Trusting God's Promises Amidst Turmoil (First Baptist Church of Granbury) references Hebrews 6:19 to describe hope as an anchor for the soul, providing stability in life's storms. It also references Romans 5 to explain how suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

Faith and Timing: Embracing God's Presence in Pain (Access Church) references Isaiah 53:3, which describes the Messiah as a man of suffering and familiar with pain. This connection is used to emphasize Jesus' empathy and understanding of human suffering, reinforcing the idea that Jesus wept not only for Lazarus but also for the pain of those around him.

Embracing Faith Amid Doubt: The Power of Resurrection (X Church) references Colossians 1 to emphasize Jesus' role in creation and his eternal nature, supporting the idea that Jesus is the only permanent reality.

From Death to Life: The Power of Jesus (Canvas Church) references John 20 to explain the purpose of Jesus' miracles as signs pointing to his identity as the Messiah. The sermon also references John 3, where Jesus speaks of being lifted up like the bronze serpent, to illustrate the concept of belief leading to eternal life.

Trusting God's Timing and Purposes in Disappointment (Fierce Church) references Proverbs 3:5-6 to emphasize the importance of trusting in the Lord and not relying on one's own understanding. The sermon also references Hebrews 12:2 to encourage believers to focus on Jesus as the source and finisher of their faith.

Finding Hope in Disappointment with God (Granville Chapel) references Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick," to illustrate the natural human experience of disappointment. The sermon also references the story of Abraham and Moses to show that biblical figures also experienced disappointment with God.

Trusting God's Timing: The Miracle of Lazarus (Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church) references the story of Mary anointing Jesus with oil to highlight the significance of her actions and the relationship between Jesus and the family of Lazarus.

Divine Timing: The Resurrection and Our Faith (fbspartanburg) references the story of Elijah and Elisha raising the dead to provide context for the resurrection of Lazarus and to emphasize the miraculous nature of Jesus' actions.

John 11:1-44 Christian References outside the Bible:

Embracing Hope: Jesus in Our Struggles (The River Anglican Church) mentions C.S. Lewis and his book "Mere Christianity" as an example of how God can work in people's lives over time, leading them to faith.

Faith and Timing: Embracing God's Presence in Pain (Access Church) references Katherine Wolf, a speaker who survived a catastrophic stroke. Her story is used to illustrate the concept of seeing miracles in a new light, as she views her survival and ongoing life as a miracle despite her disabilities. This example is used to encourage listeners to adopt a similar perspective on their own challenges and to recognize God's work in their lives.

From Death to Life: The Power of Jesus (Canvas Church) references a sermon by Alistair Begg, who discusses the thief on the cross and the simplicity of faith in Jesus. This reference is used to illustrate the idea that belief in Jesus, not religious rituals, is what grants eternal life.

Finding Hope in Disappointment with God (Granville Chapel) references Philip Yancey's book "Disappointment with God" to support the idea that disappointment with God is a common experience among Christians and biblical figures.

John 11:1-44 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Walking with God: Embracing Faith Amidst Trials (Reach Church Paramount) uses the analogy of an earthquake to illustrate how people react to crises. The story of a college cafeteria during a minor earthquake is used to show how different people respond to fear and uncertainty, highlighting the importance of relying on God's presence during life's tremors.

Faith and Timing: Embracing God's Presence in Pain (Access Church) uses the speaker's personal experience on a game show, "Don't Forget the Lyrics," as an analogy for the story of Lazarus. The speaker describes the tension and uncertainty of watching the show, despite knowing the outcome, to illustrate the importance of living in the moment of the story and experiencing the emotions and lessons it offers. This analogy helps listeners engage with the biblical narrative on a deeper level by relating it to a modern, relatable experience.

Embracing Faith Amid Doubt: The Power of Resurrection (X Church) uses the analogy of tattoos as permanent markers to illustrate the concept of permanent realities and contrasts this with the impermanence of death through Jesus' resurrection.

From Death to Life: The Power of Jesus (Canvas Church) uses the analogy of a parent not giving their child everything they want to illustrate the idea that God's delays are for our ultimate good, teaching us valuable lessons.

From Dead Ends to New Beginnings with Jesus (Paradox Church) uses the personal story of a backpacking trip in Canada that ended at a dead end to illustrate the feeling of hopelessness and the importance of trusting Jesus to provide a way forward.

Divine Timing: The Resurrection and Our Faith (fbspartanburg) uses the Mona Lisa and AI animation as an analogy for resurrection, illustrating the concept of bringing something lifeless to life. The sermon also uses sports analogies, such as baseball and surfing, to explain the concept of divine timing and the importance of waiting for the right moment.