November 12, 2023 | Dr. Gary Hylander
Passage: John 11:17-27
As we noted last week, our Lord reveals his love to us in unexpected ways. Upon being notified of Lazarus's impending death, we would have thought that Jesus would have rushed to Bethany in order to heal Lazarus of his illness. But we must be careful with our expectations of God concerning matters of life and death. The foremost concern in this passage is the glory of God.
As the final sign performed by Jesus in this gospel, our Lord chooses to set in motion events leading to his death and resurrection. Rather than healing Lazarus of his illness, Jesus times his arrival to raise Lazarus from the grave. By demonstrating that he possesses resurrection power, Christ alone has the right to say I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, (11:25). Jesus could then ask Do you believe this? (11:26). This is a question each of us must answer.
As We Consider The Comfort Christ Brings To His People, Note. . .
- The Critical Timing Our Lord Exhibits. (17-19)
- The Verbal Assurance Our Lord Provides. (20-24)
- The Personal Claim Our Lord Makes. (25-26)
- The Essential Faith Our Lord Requires. (27)
Series Information
The Seven Signs is a short series in the book of John. The term signs is the English translation of the Greek word semeion (σημεῖον), which is the word John used for miracle. The reason why the Apostle John placed emphasis upon signs is addressed in 20:30-31, which states...
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
