Trusting Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing

God's timing is always perfect, even when it seems delayed. In John 11, Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus was not a sign of neglect but a strategic move to reveal God's glory. This teaches us that God's timing, though often different from ours, serves a greater purpose. We must trust that He is working all things for our good, even when we don't understand His ways. Jesus' actions remind us that He operates on a divine schedule that transcends our human understanding. [55:54]

Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are waiting for God's intervention. How can you trust in His perfect timing and find peace in the waiting?

Day 2: Faith Amidst Grief

Jesus' declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," calls us to trust Him even in our darkest moments. Martha and Mary’s faith was tested in their grief over Lazarus' death. Despite their faith, they struggled with doubt and disappointment. This story challenges us to embrace the present reality of Jesus' power, not just His future promises. Our faith should be resilient, trusting in Jesus' ability to bring life and hope even in the midst of loss and disappointment. [47:41]

Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced loss or disappointment. How can you invite Jesus into that pain and trust Him to bring new life and hope?

Day 3: Jesus Weeps With Us

Jesus' empathy and compassion are evident when He weeps with Mary and Martha. This shows that He is not distant in our suffering but is present, sharing in our pain. Jesus' tears remind us that He understands our struggles and is deeply moved by our circumstances. He is with us, working through our pain to bring about His divine purposes. This truth offers comfort and assurance that we are never alone in our suffering. [58:57]

Isaiah 53:4 (ESV): "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted."

Reflection: Think of a current struggle or pain you are experiencing. How can you find comfort in knowing that Jesus weeps with you and is present in your suffering?

Day 4: The Power of Resurrection

The resurrection of Lazarus is a powerful testament to Jesus' authority over life and death. This power is available to us today, enabling us to overcome any dead situation in our lives. Whether it be broken relationships, financial struggles, or spiritual dryness, Jesus' resurrection power can bring new life and hope. We are called to trust in His ability to transform our circumstances and bring about His purposes. [01:09:53]

Ephesians 1:19-20 (ESV): "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life that feels "dead" or hopeless. How can you invite Jesus' resurrection power into that situation and trust Him to bring new life?

Day 5: Living in Resurrection Power

Believing in Jesus as the resurrection and the life should transform our daily lives. It calls us to live with hope, courage, and a willingness to follow His commands, even when they challenge our understanding. Our faith in His resurrection power should dictate our actions and decisions, leading us to live in a way that reflects His life-giving power. This means embracing a lifestyle of trust, obedience, and hope, knowing that Jesus' power is at work within us. [01:26:59]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: Consider how your belief in Jesus' resurrection power can influence your daily actions and decisions. What is one specific way you can live out this truth today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the power and presence of Jesus Christ, focusing on His declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life." We began with a vibrant worship session, lifting our hearts and voices to God, acknowledging His greatness and the victory we have in Him. We then transitioned into a time of announcements, highlighting upcoming events such as our evening service, midweek Bible studies, and the exciting Trunk or Treat outreach event. These activities are designed to foster community, spiritual growth, and outreach.

Our main Scripture reading was from John 11, where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This passage reveals profound truths about Jesus' identity and His power over life and death. Martha and Mary, close friends of Jesus, were in deep grief over the death of their brother Lazarus. Despite their faith, they struggled with doubt and disappointment, questioning why Jesus had not arrived earlier to heal Lazarus. Jesus' response to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life," was not just a future promise but a present reality. He demonstrated that His power transcends time and circumstances.

We explored the significance of Jesus' timing, understanding that He is never late but always operates according to a divine schedule that serves a greater purpose. Jesus' delay in coming to Lazarus was to reveal God's glory and strengthen the faith of those involved. This story teaches us that even in our darkest moments, Jesus is with us, weeping with us, and working out His divine plan.

The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus has authority over death and life. It challenges us to trust Him fully, even when we don't understand His ways. We are called to replace our doubts and fears with faith, believing that Jesus can bring life to any dead situation in our lives. As we closed, we reaffirmed our faith in Jesus, the resurrection and the life, and committed to living in the power of His resurrection daily.

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Key Takeaways

1. JgJ10&t=3354s'>[55:54]
2. Faith Amidst Grief: Martha and Mary’s faith was tested in their grief. Jesus' declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," calls us to trust Him even when we face loss and disappointment. Our faith should not be limited to future promises but should embrace the present reality of Jesus' power.

3. Jesus Weeps With Us: Jesus wept with Mary and Martha, showing His deep compassion and empathy. This reminds us that Jesus is not distant in our suffering; He is present, sharing in our pain and working through it to bring about His divine purposes.

4. The Power of Resurrection: Jesus' resurrection of Lazarus is a testament to His authority over life and death. This power is available to us today, enabling us to overcome any dead situation in our lives, whether it be broken relationships, financial struggles, or spiritual dryness.

5. Living in Resurrection Power: Believing in Jesus as the resurrection and the life should transform our daily lives. It calls us to live with hope, courage, and a willingness to follow His commands, even when they challenge our understanding. Our faith in His resurrection power should dictate our actions and decisions.

### [55:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[11:19] - Worship and Praise
[25:55] - Opening Remarks and Announcements
[35:15] - Evening Service and Midweek Bible Study
[36:39] - Upcoming Events: Chandler Bible Conference and Trunk or Treat
[39:51] - Offering and Generosity
[42:58] - Call for Donations and Community Support
[43:34] - Scripture Reading: John 11
[46:00] - Jesus' Declaration: "I Am the Resurrection and the Life"
[49:31] - The Significance of Jesus' Timing
[55:54] - Trusting God's Plan in Tragedy
[58:57] - Jesus' Compassion and Empathy
[69:53] - The Power of Resurrection
[86:59] - Living in Resurrection Power
[93:25] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Martha's initial reaction when she heard Jesus was coming, and what did she say to Him? ([46:40])
How did Jesus respond to Martha's statement about the resurrection? ([47:41])
What did Jesus declare about Himself in John 11:25-26, and how did Martha respond? ([48:33])
What was the significance of Jesus weeping with Mary and Martha? ([58:57])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus delayed His arrival to see Lazarus, and what does this reveal about His understanding of timing and purpose? ([55:54])
How does Jesus' declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," challenge the way we view our current struggles and future hopes? ([47:41])
In what ways does Jesus' empathy and compassion, as shown by His weeping, impact our understanding of His relationship with us during our times of suffering? ([58:57])
How does the resurrection of Lazarus serve as a testament to Jesus' authority over life and death, and what implications does this have for our faith today? ([01:09:53])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt that Jesus was "late" in responding to your prayers. How can you trust in His perfect timing and divine purpose in future situations? ([55:54])
Martha and Mary experienced deep grief and disappointment. How can you maintain faith in Jesus' power and promises during your own times of loss and disappointment? ([47:41])
Jesus wept with Mary and Martha, showing His deep compassion. How can you be more present and empathetic to those around you who are suffering? ([58:57])
Jesus' declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life," calls us to live in the power of His resurrection daily. What specific steps can you take to live with hope and courage in your daily life? ([01:26:59])
Think of a "dead situation" in your life, such as a broken relationship or a personal struggle. How can you invite Jesus' resurrection power into that situation? ([01:09:53])
How can you replace doubts and fears with faith in Jesus' ability to bring life and transformation? Share a specific area where you need to trust Him more. ([47:41])
Jesus' timing and actions often serve a greater purpose that we may not immediately understand. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's plan, even when it doesn't align with your expectations? ([55:54])

Sermon Clips

1. "We live in a world of profound brokenness and tragedy all around us. This is a sinful world. People do horrible things to one another in this world. We have experienced tragedy and heartbreak. And sometimes it is not even our fault. Sometimes we sin and we do stupid things. And we have to live as a result, a consequence of our sins. Sometimes the tragedy is our own doing. Many times it is not." [51:14] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus is never late. He's on time. He's just not on your time. He is the creator of time. And he knows what he's doing. But Martha can't see that in this moment. And there are many moments of your life you're going to be there. Lord, I'm thinking, I'm believing, I'm trusting, but, God, it looks like things are out of order right now. This isn't how it's supposed to be. Where are you?" [55:54] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We serve a God of compassion. Again verse 35. Jesus wept. In other words he was not cold hearted to the reality of their loss. He joined them in their sorrow. Now I just want you to see. How Jesus responds to Martha. Because in this response he can speak to you. Right now in your situation. Are you ready? Verse 23. The first thing Jesus does. Is he makes her a promise. Jesus said to her. Your brother will rise again." [01:05:17] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus said to her. I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me. Though he may die. He shall live. Don't forget. This is a response to the previous statement that Martha had made. Jesus said. Your brother is going to rise. She said. Yes I believe that. But I don't believe it today. That is for tomorrow. That is for a thousand years from now. And in response. Jesus is saying. No. No. Listen Martha. Look at me. Look into my eyes Martha. I am the resurrection." [01:09:30] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I believe that God can set people free from addiction and bondage. From drug addiction. From alcohol. He is the resurrection and the life. I believe that God can resurrect finances. God can resurrect marriages. God can resurrect broken families. God can forgive sins. Jesus. I want to just remind you. I mentioned in the Bible study this morning. So many times when people call me for counseling. I spend so much of my time reminding people who Jesus is." [01:12:32] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Yes Lord. I believe that you are the Christ. You are the Son of God. Who is to come into the world. She confirms her faith in who Jesus is. Now this is something you should be able to wrap your mind around. Lord I don't know everything that you're doing. I don't get your strategy. I don't get your timing. I don't get your calendar Lord. But here's one thing I do get. I know who you are. You are the Son of the Living God." [01:14:34] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We serve a God. Who is able to bring dead things back to life. That's who Jesus is. So. I don't want to hear. About what God can't do for you. I don't want to hear. About how God is limited. Please don't tell me. About how powerful the addictions are. The bondages. Because we serve a God who brings dead things. Back to life. And if that is possible. If it was possible then. And it's possible now. He does not change. He is the same. Yesterday. Today. And forever." [01:20:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Do you believe. That he is who he says he is. He is resurrection. And he is life. And that same power. That raised Christ from the dead. Is here this morning. The Holy Spirit has been released to the church. And sent into every individual life. Available to you this morning. And we have all that we need." [01:21:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I'm not here this morning to minimize. The things that you're going through. Truly some of us have desperate. Desperate problems. Before the Lord. Death of loved ones. Sicknesses. Illnesses. Life changing news that you've received. None of these things are easy. But I'm here this morning to remind you. That Jesus is bigger. Than whatever problem you're going through. He is greater. We're talking about resurrection. We're talking about Jesus said. I am resurrection." [01:22:33] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If our religion has come to the point where we no longer need resurrection in life. God help us. If our church services have become only what men can do and produce in their own strategies. As churches have become a production. A display of man's power and talent. What we're seeing at this altar. What God can do. What God can do in our lives. And we lay hold of that this morning." [01:33:25] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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