John 11" Lessons From Lazarus"

I preached from John 11 this Sunday and really enjoyed the things that I learned form the sermon. I though I might share my notes with you all. It won't be all of the message at once but a piece at a time throughout the week. Hope you enjoy.

John 11

Sometimes in a story it yields great insight to view the story from the shoes of each of it's characters. Today's message will be an attempt to do that in brief.

The Duty Of The Disciples- Follow

When the news of Lazarus' sickness first reaches the disciples, there was, no doubt, concern. But when Jesus responds with what appears to be supernatural knowledge of the situation their fears are quieted. (Vs 4) "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God." He says it with such confidence that the disciples simply trust what He says and continue life as though it is true. "I mean hey, if Jesus isn't worried then we shouldn't worry either." they might have thought.

Then 2 days later it seems like Jesus' tune has changed. "Let us go to Judea." (vs 7)

Maybe Jesus hasn't thought this through carefully enough. Maybe Jesus forgot what happened the last time they were in that area. Remember when Jesus said "I and my Father are one." (vs 10:30) and then they picked up rocks to stone Him. "Let's remind Him" they must have thought. We are not welcome there, people don't like our message, it is dangerous, we aren't very popular, etc.... The excuses for not going were thousands. As the disciples reach for the one that fits them best Jesus addresses the real issue.

"Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble., because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night he stumbles, because the light is not in him." In other words, there isn't much time to get done what needs to be done. So, we better get busy. The disciples must have been thinking, "What work could we possibly do other than be killed?!"

Jesus again comes with further revelation of what is on His mind. "Our friend Lazarus, has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him."

Still resisting the risk, "Well then let him sleep. That's what the sick need isn't it? Let him rest and he will recover."

Jesus illuminates further, "Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him. "

At this point the disciples get why it is such a priority in Jesus' mind. Lazarus is dead. Something bigger than their temporary comfort is at stake here. There is someone that Jesus loves and wants to save from perishing. Jesus is saying to his disciples, "I want to go, but will you follow? Is saving the perishing worth it to you like it is to me. Are you shepherds or are you hirelings? Are sheep that follow or goats that but.

In Josephine County only 18.7 percent of the total population is religious. This translates to 15,225 out of 81,618 residents. Before we go congratulating ourselves we have to consider that some of those that are religious are not within what is considered Christianity. By the time you take away Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses you end up with only 12,637 people that are within the scope of Christianity. This group includes Catholics, 7th Day adventists, Aog and other evangelicals. And within these groups are many that do not have actual saving faith in Jesus. This leads us to the statistic that it is likely that less than 1 in 10 people in our County are "saved" and for every one that you meet that is "saved" 9 go to hell. "Pray to the Lord of the harvest."

You have to love Thomas' response here."Let us also go that we may die with Him." In essence Thomas is saying, "I'd rather die if it means I get to be with Jesus. Death with Him is better than life without Him!"

Every disciple must decide. Will I follow Jesus, whatever that may mean? Is life with Him more valuable than anything else?

Jon Piper phrases the question best, in his book God is the Gospel. "The critical question for our generation is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Jesus wasn't there?"

A disciple:
Holds his relationship with Jesus to be more precious than "Wife, kids, mother, father, friend"
Gladly would leave "families and homes and earthly goods" to follow Christ (Luke 14:25-33)
sees that "my life is not my own, I have been bought with a price" (1 Cor 6:20)
"puts his hand to the plow and never looks back" (Luke 9:62)
"Is crucified with Christ yet he lives but it not him that lives but Christ in him." (Gal 2:20)
"Takes up his cross daily and follows Him" (Luke 9:23)
Sees Jesus as the prize (Phil 3:8-19)


The reward of our faith is Jesus. Fellowship with Him. He is our exceeding great reward! And being with Him in danger is better than a thousand safe lives without Him!