Embracing Hope: Jesus in Our Struggles
Summary
In his sermon, Pastor Jonathan Tag delves into the biblical story of Lazarus' resurrection, emphasizing the power of Jesus as the resurrection and the life. He begins by highlighting the importance of obedience and faith in our relationship with God, as demonstrated by the people who moved the stone from Lazarus' tomb at Jesus' command. He underscores Jesus' power to bring life where there is none, in areas of depression, anxiety, fear, or in marriages and families. He also acknowledges the suffering that Jesus endured, as described in Isaiah 53, but emphasizes the hope and victory that comes after that suffering.
The pastor then explores the emotional response of Jesus to various aspects of human life. He assures the congregation that Jesus understands even our deepest emotional struggles, as he grieves when we grieve and laughs when we laugh. He shares a personal story of praying for a friend for over 10 years, highlighting the importance of praying for both small and big things as a demonstration of our belief in God. He also discusses the upcoming annual convocation of the regional group of churches and the missionary work of the McLaughlin family in Cambodia, encouraging the congregation to pray for them.
In the latter part of the sermon, the pastor reflects on the powerful event of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. He emphasizes the significance of God's ongoing work in the world today and poses the question of whether God is still capable of performing such powerful acts. He encourages the congregation to have a genuine relationship with God by being honest about their suffering, disappointments, and doubts. He emphasizes that Jesus empathizes with our pain and sorrow, and is present with us in our struggles.
The pastor concludes by focusing on the interaction between Jesus and Mary when she approaches him after her brother Lazarus has died. He highlights Mary's honest expression of disappointment and despair, questioning why Jesus did not come earlier to prevent Lazarus' death. Instead of explaining or justifying his actions, Jesus enters into Mary's emotions. The pastor suggests that Jesus weeps because these were the people he had called and invited to go with him, and now they invite him into their pain and the tomb.
Key Takeaways:
- Obedience to the Holy Spirit is crucial in our Christian walk. When Jesus commanded the people to move the stone from Lazarus' tomb, they obeyed despite the discomfort and weight of the stones. This act of obedience led to a miraculous event - the resurrection of Lazarus. [12:45]
- Jesus understands our emotional struggles. He grieves when we grieve and laughs when we laugh. He experienced shame, fear, pain, betrayal, abandonment, and disappointment, and thus, He can empathize with us in our struggles. [22:30]
- Faith is a muscle that thrives on exertion. God responds to faith, not fear. Praying for both small and big things is a demonstration of our belief in God. [32:15]
- God is still capable of performing powerful acts today. The story of Lazarus' resurrection is a testament to God's power and His ongoing work in the world. We should not limit God's power to the stories in the Bible but believe that He can still perform miracles in our lives today. [45:20]
- Honesty with God is essential in our relationship with Him. Like Mary and Martha, we should be honest about our suffering, disappointments, and doubts. God desires for His children to come to Him and share their burdens. [55:10]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 53:8-12: "By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
2. John 11:1-44: This passage is too long to quote in full, but it tells the story of the death and resurrection of Lazarus, including Jesus' statement in verse 25-26: "Jesus said to 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?'"
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key events and reactions in the story of Lazarus' death and resurrection in John 11:1-44?
2. How does Isaiah 53:8-12 describe the suffering of Jesus and its purpose?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' statement in John 11:25-26 reveal about his identity and his power over life and death?
2. How does the suffering described in Isaiah 53:8-12 relate to the concept of Jesus as the resurrection and the life?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a situation where you obeyed God's command despite discomfort or fear, similar to the people who moved the stone from Lazarus' tomb? What was the outcome?
2. When was the last time you shared your deepest emotional struggles with Jesus, believing that he understands and empathizes with your feelings?
3. What is one big or small thing you can start praying for consistently, as a demonstration of your belief in God's power?
4. Can you think of a situation in your life where you limited God's power, similar to doubting that He can still perform miracles today? How can you change your perspective in this situation?
5. Like Mary and Martha, when was the last time you were honest with God about your suffering, disappointments, and doubts? How did it affect your relationship with Him?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Obedience
When Jesus commanded the people to move the stone from Lazarus' tomb, they obeyed despite the discomfort and weight of the stones. This act of obedience led to a miraculous event - the resurrection of Lazarus. [12:45] Obedience to the Holy Spirit is crucial in our Christian walk. It is through obedience that we can witness the power of God in our lives and experience His miracles.
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 15:22 - "But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you had to choose between obedience to God and your own comfort. How did you respond and what was the outcome?
Day 2: Jesus Understands Our Emotions
Jesus understands our emotional struggles. He grieves when we grieve and laughs when we laugh. He experienced shame, fear, pain, betrayal, abandonment, and disappointment, and thus, He can empathize with us in our struggles. [22:30] In our darkest moments, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus understands and shares in our pain.
Bible Passage: Hebrews 4:15 - "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you felt deeply understood by Jesus in your emotional struggles? How did that experience impact your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Exercising Faith Through Prayer
Faith is a muscle that thrives on exertion. God responds to faith, not fear. Praying for both small and big things is a demonstration of our belief in God. [32:15] Our prayers, whether they are for small or big things, are a testament to our faith in God's power and His ability to intervene in our lives.
Bible Passage: James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: What is one small and one big thing you can start praying for today as a demonstration of your faith in God?
Day 4: God's Power in Today's World
God is still capable of performing powerful acts today. The story of Lazarus' resurrection is a testament to God's power and His ongoing work in the world. [45:20] We should not limit God's power to the stories in the Bible but believe that He can still perform miracles in our lives today.
Bible Passage: Jeremiah 32:27 - "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to see God's power at work? How can you invite Him into that situation?
Day 5: Honesty in Our Relationship with God
Honesty with God is essential in our relationship with Him. Like Mary and Martha, we should be honest about our suffering, disappointments, and doubts. [55:10] God desires for His children to come to Him and share their burdens. He is not distant or indifferent to our struggles but is present with us in them.
Bible Passage: Psalm 62:8 - "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
Reflection: What is one disappointment or doubt that you have been hesitant to bring before God? How can you express this to Him in prayer today?
Quotes
"Honesty touched his heart, our honesty touches his heart, but the events of Our Lives also touch his heart and he grieves when we grieve and he laughs when he laughs." [43:29]
"He became like us in every way, shame, fear, pain, betrayal, abandonment, disappointment, everything you feel he has felt." [44:18]
"Our Lord responds to our faith, he does not respond to fear. When we believe and when we trust, we activate our faith. It's like a muscle, it thrives on exertion." [45:08]
"Take a few minutes to be honest with God in silence, to talk with him and listen to him. There may be events that you have decided not to deal with or times when you have raised your fist towards God. But remember, Jesus weeps alongside you and cares deeply for you." [55:56]
"Jesus asks us directly, 'Do you believe in me? Do you believe I have the power and the love that it's worth praying?' This is a question the Lord asks each of us. Let us pray for difficult situations and for the disappointments and difficulties we personally go through." [58:15]
"Jesus enters into her emotions...he was deeply moved by the love of the people for their brother Lazarus, deeply moved by their honesty."
"Jesus can bring life where there is not life in your depression, anxiety, and fear. He can bring health to your body and life into your marriages and families."
"The resurrection is about what appears dead to us being made alive again. It's about people and situations, relationships that we say, 'Well, that's far too gone,' or 'What hope is there in that situation?' or 'Why bother with that person?' being brought new life."
"John 11 teaches why it's so important is it teaches first to be honest with God... it's not a real relationship if we're not really honest with God."
"This passage reminds us that Jesus weeps alongside of us... Jesus weeps alongside us in our pain, sorrow, and disappointment."
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