Jesus: The Resurrection, Love, and Overcoming Faith Obstacles

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus' Willingness to Sacrifice for His Friends

Jesus' decision to return to Bethany, despite the danger, highlights His willingness to lay down His life for His friends. This act foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, demonstrating the depth of His love for us. Jesus had just left a hostile environment where the Pharisees wanted to arrest or stone Him. Despite the danger, He chose to return to Bethany to raise Lazarus, showing His immense love and commitment to His friends. This act is a powerful testament to the lengths Jesus is willing to go for those He loves, even at the risk of His own life.

This willingness to sacrifice is a reflection of the ultimate sacrifice He would make on the cross. Jesus' actions in this story remind us that true love often involves risk and sacrifice. His return to Bethany is a profound example of His dedication and love for humanity, foreshadowing the greater sacrifice He would make for all of us. [31:02]

John 15:13 (ESV): "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you can show sacrificial love to someone in your life. What specific action can you take today to demonstrate this kind of love?

Day 2: Jesus' Empathy in Our Grief

Jesus wept at Lazarus' tomb, showing that He deeply feels our pain and sorrow. His empathy is a reminder that He is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, sharing in our suffering and offering comfort. When Jesus arrived in Bethany, both Martha and Mary expressed their grief, saying that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. Even though Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus, He wept, showing His deep empathy and love for those mourning.

This act of weeping demonstrates that Jesus is not indifferent to our pain. He shares in our suffering and offers comfort in our times of grief. His empathy is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles; Jesus is with us, feeling our pain and offering His presence and comfort. [36:03]

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt deep sorrow or grief. How did you experience Jesus' presence and comfort during that time? How can you offer that same empathy to someone else today?

Day 3: Trusting in the Resurrection and Life

Jesus' declaration that He is the resurrection and the life challenges us to trust in Him for eternal life. This belief transforms our perspective on death and suffering, offering hope and assurance in the face of loss. When Martha expressed her grief, Jesus responded with profound declarations about being the resurrection and the life, emphasizing that belief in Him leads to eternal life.

This statement challenges us to trust in Jesus for our eternal destiny. It transforms our perspective on death and suffering, offering hope and assurance even in the face of loss. Believing in Jesus as the resurrection and the life means that we can face life's challenges with the confidence that He holds our future in His hands. [34:24]

John 11:25-26 (ESV): "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

Reflection: How does believing in Jesus as the resurrection and the life change your perspective on a current challenge or loss you are facing? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in Him today?

Day 4: Overcoming Obstacles to Faith

Misunderstanding Jesus' identity, fear of consequences, and the desire for human glory can hinder our faith. Overcoming these obstacles requires a deep, personal commitment to Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God and the source of true life. The story of Lazarus reveals several obstacles that can hinder our faith. Some people misunderstood who Jesus was, others feared the consequences of following Him, and some desired human glory over God's glory.

To overcome these obstacles, we need a deep, personal commitment to Jesus. This means recognizing Him as the Son of God and the source of true life. It involves moving beyond mere belief to a life fully surrendered to Him, trusting Him in every aspect of our lives. [43:24]

John 12:42-43 (ESV): "Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God."

Reflection: Identify one obstacle that is currently hindering your faith. What practical steps can you take to overcome this obstacle and deepen your commitment to Jesus today?

Day 5: Repentance and Allegiance to Jesus

True faith involves repentance and allegiance to Jesus. This means turning away from our own ways and fully committing to follow Him, even when it is difficult or doesn't make sense. This kind of faith leads to a transformed life and deeper relationship with God. True faith is not just about believing in Jesus but involves repentance and allegiance to Him. It means turning away from our own ways and fully committing to follow Him, even when it is difficult or doesn't make sense.

This kind of faith leads to a transformed life and a deeper relationship with God. It requires a daily commitment to align our lives with His will, trusting Him in every aspect of our lives. This repentance and allegiance are essential for a vibrant and growing faith. [47:04]

Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to Jesus? How can you demonstrate your allegiance to Him in that area today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into John chapter 11, focusing on the story of Lazarus. This passage is a powerful testament to Jesus' love and the purpose behind His miracles. We began by setting the context: Jesus had just left a hostile environment where the Pharisees wanted to arrest or stone Him. Despite the danger, Jesus decided to return to Bethany to raise Lazarus, demonstrating His willingness to risk His life for His friends. This act foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

When Jesus arrived, both Martha and Mary expressed their grief, saying that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. Jesus responded with profound declarations about being the resurrection and the life, emphasizing that belief in Him leads to eternal life. Even though He knew He would raise Lazarus, Jesus wept, showing His deep empathy and love for those mourning.

The miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead was not just about the act itself but about revealing who Jesus is—His divine nature and His immense love for humanity. This miracle also served to strengthen the faith of His followers and to challenge the unbelief of the Pharisees and others who witnessed it.

We also explored the obstacles that can hinder our faith: misunderstanding who Jesus is, fear of consequences, and the desire for human glory over God's glory. True faith requires repentance and allegiance to Jesus, a commitment that goes beyond mere belief to a life fully surrendered to Him.

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Key Takeaways

1. Jesus' Love and Sacrifice: Jesus' decision to return to Bethany, despite the danger, highlights His willingness to lay down His life for His friends. This act foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, demonstrating the depth of His love for us. [31:02]
2. Empathy in Grief: Jesus wept at Lazarus' tomb, showing that He deeply feels our pain and sorrow. His empathy is a reminder that He is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, sharing in our suffering and offering comfort. [36:03]
3. Belief in the Resurrection: Jesus' declaration that He is the resurrection and the life challenges us to trust in Him for eternal life. This belief transforms our perspective on death and suffering, offering hope and assurance in the face of loss. [34:24]
4. Obstacles to Faith: Misunderstanding Jesus' identity, fear of consequences, and the desire for human glory can hinder our faith. Overcoming these obstacles requires a deep, personal commitment to Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God and the source of true life. [43:24]
5. Repentance and Allegiance: True faith involves repentance and allegiance to Jesus. This means turning away from our own ways and fully committing to follow Him, even when it is difficult or doesn't make sense. This kind of faith leads to a transformed life and deeper relationship with God. [47:04]
### [47:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:12] - Introduction and Context
[29:30] - The Illness of Lazarus
[31:02] - Jesus' Decision to Return
[32:37] - Jesus' Love for Lazarus
[34:24] - Martha's Grief and Jesus' Response
[36:03] - Jesus Weeps
[38:00] - The Miracle of Raising Lazarus
[39:49] - Purpose of the Signs
[41:26] - Obstacles to Faith
[43:24] - Fear of Consequences
[45:16] - Desire for Human Glory
[47:04] - Repentance and Allegiance
[49:59] - Allegiance to Jesus
[50:58] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the context in which Jesus decided to return to Bethany despite the danger? ([31:02])
How did Jesus respond to Martha and Mary’s grief when He arrived in Bethany? ([34:24])
What was Jesus' declaration to Martha about His identity, and how did she respond? ([34:24])
Describe the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. What were the immediate reactions of the people present? ([38:00])

Interpretation Questions

Why did Jesus wait two days before going to Bethany after hearing about Lazarus' illness? What does this reveal about His understanding of the situation? ([32:37])
How does Jesus' empathy and weeping at Lazarus' tomb reflect His relationship with humanity? ([36:03])
What are the obstacles to faith mentioned in the sermon, and how do they manifest in our lives today? ([41:26])
How does the concept of allegiance to Jesus differ from other forms of allegiance we might be familiar with? ([47:04])

Application Questions

Jesus risked His life to return to Bethany for Lazarus. Are there situations in your life where you need to take a risk to show love or support for someone? How can you act on that this week? ([31:02])
Reflect on a time when you felt deep grief or sorrow. How did you experience Jesus' empathy and comfort during that time? How can you offer similar comfort to others? ([36:03])
Jesus declared that He is the resurrection and the life. How does this belief shape your perspective on death and suffering? How can you share this hope with someone who is grieving? ([34:24])
Identify a misunderstanding or fear that has hindered your faith. What steps can you take to overcome this obstacle and deepen your commitment to Jesus? ([41:26])
True faith involves repentance and allegiance to Jesus. What specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to Him? How can you demonstrate your allegiance to Jesus in your daily actions? ([47:04])
Think about a time when you desired human glory over God's glory. How did that affect your faith and actions? What changes can you make to prioritize God's glory in your life? ([45:16])
How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus that goes beyond mere belief to a life fully surrendered to Him? What practical steps will you take this week to grow in your faith? ([47:04])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I want us to not only look at what Jesus did, but why. Why did Jesus do these miracles? Yes, John tells us that he recorded them so that we might believe, but let's see what Jesus, what's in his heart. And in those first few verses that I just read, I think we see why. Twice in those verses, it mentions Jesus' love. His love for Mary and Martha and his love for Lazarus." [32:37] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Even though Jesus knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, he still wept because he felt their pain. And he couldn't help but be moved by that. Again, let's not just look at what he did, but who he is and how he loves us and how he cares for us." [36:03] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus said to them, unbind him and let him go. Can you imagine? Four days, dead, already in the grave, getting up. I really wish John would have given us some more details. I really wish we could have heard how Mary and Martha responded. How the crowd responded, how Lazarus, what do you say after four days in the grave, right?" [38:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So, I'm thinking through how, how, how do I deal with this? How do I handle, you know, these last seven sermons, these miracles that Jesus has had? How do I respond to them? What, what I do in my life and how, what are, what are maybe some things that might get in the way of me fully believing?" [39:49] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So allegiance doesn't mean that we always get it. It doesn't always mean that we understand everything Jesus told us. But it means, in spite of our struggles with understanding why Jesus says to do it this particular way, we say, I'm still going to do it. I'm still going to follow. I'm still going to do it. If it doesn't make sense, I'll do it. You have my faith. You have my allegiance. And that's what it looks like to follow Jesus." [50:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So, as we dive into this story and as we kind of look at it more, I want us to not only look at what Jesus did, but why. Why did Jesus do these miracles? Yes, John tells us that he recorded them so that we might believe, but let's see what Jesus, what's in his heart. And in those first few verses that I just read, I think we see why. Twice in those verses, it mentions Jesus' love. His love for Mary and Martha and his love for Lazarus." [32:37] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So, the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council and said, what are we doing? We're going to stone you. This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation. So the next thing I think can get in the way is our fear of consequences, our fears of, well, what will happen if I really fully believe in Jesus?" [43:24] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Another thing that can hold us back is how it will affect our glory, our own personal glory. Glory. What, what's it going to look like? What are people going to say about me? What are people going to think about me? What are my friends? So if my friends say something that I find kind of offensive and I think it's not right, will I speak up or do I want them just to like me?" [45:16] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Repentance, we're turning away, you know, from the way, our own ideas, our own way of doing things, our own ways of thinking, like this is the best way to handle that situation. And we're turning to Jesus Christ. And we're giving him our full allegiance. And John says, in chapter 20, right when he gives his summary about, I write these things so that you might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing, through having this repentance and allegiance to Jesus Christ, you might have life in his name." [50:58] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So what's the next thing that can maybe get in the way. So back to chapter 11, we're going to kind of pick up in verse 47. So this is just after Jesus raises Lazarus and we don't get those details. We'd love to have in verse 47, it says, so the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council and said, what are we doing? We're going to stone you. This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation." [41:26] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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