as we are coming to the end, not quite yet, to the end of the chapter. And we're dealing with the resurrection and the life in real life, in real time, as it is recorded here in this passage. Of all the claims of Christ's deity and His Messiahship, this passage, at this point, tops them all. And Jesus was one who was not one who would just talk, but he would back up his talk and his words with his action to prove his statements to be true to those who would wonder, what manner of man is this? Well, He's the God-Man, the Christ, the Son of the Living God. And Jesus made mention of this a number of times in this Gospel and other places. It says there in John chapter 5 and verse 36, But I hear witness than that of John, and I'm speaking of John the Baptist, for the works, his actions, Which the father has given me to finish the same works that I do bear witness of me that the father has sent me and then John 10 verse 25 and 37 38 Jesus answered them not the works that I do in my father's name They bear witness of me if I do not the works of my father believe me not but if I do I Though ye believe not Me, believe the works, that ye may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him. And again in John 14 10, Believest thou not that I am the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself, but the Father that dwelleth in Me. He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the very works. So he wasn't just talk, but he was one who was to back up his talk. And then when John the Baptist had sent messengers while he was in prison, we find there in Luke 7, 19 and verse 22, And John calling unto him, two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come, speaking of the Messiah, or look we for another? Verse 22, Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard, and now he mentions what is being done. How that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And of course, Jesus' deity is demonstrated as well in Luke 11. That's his statement of his Messiahship. Then saith he to the sick of the palsy, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. You know, Jesus spoke many times before of his resurrection, way back. In the first part of this gospel account of John, in John 2, 19, way back early on, it says, Jesus answered and said unto them, destroy this temple, those who are wanting to destroy him. And in three days I will raise it up. But he spake of the temple of his body. That's what he was referring to, not the temple of the Jews at that time. And many times over, I mean, in all the gospel accounts, in Matthew, and in Luke, and Mark, and John. But Christ's resurrection, Christ's resurrection was the greatest evidence of his deity. And we find that in Romans 1-4. and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of Holiness by the resurrection from the dead. So as Jesus demonstrated his claim to be the Bread of Life, in the feeding of the 5,000, so the raising of Lazarus was a demonstration and an evidence of Christ's claim to be the resurrection and the life, as mentioned in verse 25 of this chapter. This miracle of the raising of Lazarus from the dead is the most amazing of the eight miraculous signs and miracles recorded in John, of course, aside from the resurrection of Christ himself in John 20. But the miracle, this miracle, the raising of Lazarus from the dead was a great encouragement, I'm part of the design of it, a great encouragement to the disciples as he was about to go to the cross. And it was to encourage them of his power and that he is the Messiah to solidify their faith. And of course, it was also a very strong rebuke to the stubborn, unbelieving Jews who rejected Christ. So now as we look at this passage and open this up, we want to first look at the resurrection prelude, or the things that preceded then prayer. The resurrection prelude, the resurrection prayer, and then finally the resurrection power. So in this prelude, the things that preceded in John 11, 37, and some of them said, could not this man. It's okay as long as it's the Spirit of God moving you. There were some who were not so sure about that as they said, well, you know, the blind man, he was healed. That was the last major miracle that Jesus did recorded in John. And so why couldn't he have come over here on time? And if he's God, he would have known this was a serious situation. Why didn't he heal him if he is indeed the Messiah and he loved him so much? Well, First of all, we understand God does not operate by our timetable. We all know that after a while and being a believer and he who worketh A few things after the counsel of His own will? No. All things after the counsel of His own will. And I'm so glad because He knows what's ahead and He has the power to do it all and He's always going to do that which God does not answer to man. To man, I mean what kind of God would that be? and does not have to explain to mere creatures why he does what he does, when he does what he does, or even if he does or doesn't do certain things. And Job 33 addresses this in verse 13, Why does thou strive against him? For he giveth not account of any of his matters. He's not accountable to us. And of course we know that Jesus delayed because this sickness was unto death. He was going to raise him from the dead and be a greater, bring greater glory to the Father and himself and a greater encouragement to his disciples and the greater evidence that indeed he was a Messiah to those who had doubts. So now verse 38 says, Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave. The stone lay upon it. Now we can see once more we see Christ being moved with Lazarus's death and the doubters that were present as he approached the grave. Now, from what I understand and look in the original word about the cave, this was not a man-made cave but a natural cave in which they still had to level out the ground and put the shelves for the body and all that. they rolled a big stone over it, over the entrance. It was sealed by this stone and it was to keep animals out and to keep grave robbers out. And so it was sealed with that stone. And so now in verse 39, Jesus said, take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh. For he had been dead, he had been dead four days. Obviously, everybody thought this was a strange thing for Jesus to do. And after all, Martha knew that by this time, that Lazarus' process had already taken place. And the Jews, as I mentioned before, did not embalm the bodies. They put spices and ointment over the body. and that masked the smell of the decay for a while, but by the time four days had expired, the decaying body just overpowered the spices and the ointments that were put on. So that is why they were concerned about this. And as far as Martha was concerned, at this point, Lazarus had entered into the permanent state of death because the decay process has already taken place. And there was no hope in her mind for her brother, Lazarus. But what did Jesus do? Well, he kind of mildly rebuked her. In verse 40, Jesus saith unto her, said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God. You know, like we do sometimes, in strong emotions, we may forget some things. We've all had that happen to us. said and done things that we shouldn't have because our emotions got the best of us. And that's the case in which, you know, Jesus was in total control. When he wept, he was in total control. He didn't get out of control. But apparently that wasn't the case with Martha in this case. And we can understand that and the losing of a loved one. But nonetheless, Jesus' reproof was, the intention was to bring comfort. to help remind her of the promise that he had made. And we see that this was evidence in John 11, 20 through 28, although these exact words were not mentioned The part where, in John 11, 4, it says that when Jesus heard that, he said, this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. It's possible she may have heard that, or maybe there's something of those exact words that was said. But either way, it was a general reproof to her. And of course, Jesus was fully capable. of performing the miracle and is not ever dependent upon our faith, be it little, small, or large, or whatever the case might be. Without the belief of Martha and Mary, he would do this. But if they would not believe, here's the key. If they would not believe, or anyone doesn't believe, they never see the glory of God. They may see the miracle, but they don't see the significance of the miracle, of the glory of God, which is the most important thing to Christ, and should be to God's people. You know, as we'll see later, they rolled away, or maybe Martha gave her consent, being the family member, and they waited on her word. They rolled away the stone from the tomb. And again, Jesus could have, if he so wanted, to just think and it would move. He would have a thought and the stone would be rolled out of the way, but he chose to involve mourners that there would be no doubt as they were right there in closest proximity to this miracle that this was indeed Lazarus that was raised from the dead and notice Jesus didn't ask the father anything here as recorded he thanked the father that it already known about this, it was already in God's counsel, and apparently Christ had maybe asked it before, whatever the case may be, but Christ addressed God directly as Father, which was not typical of the Jewish Jews of that day. But, and we see that in many cases, and some of them did like it, calling God as Father and so on, but in verse 42, And I knew that thou hearest me always. Now, that's significant too because no human being is always heard by God. Because the Bible says if I regard iniquity in my heart, you know, that God's not gonna hear us. So, what does this say? The Father always hears Christ because he's never sinned. He was tempted, and yet he did not sin. And so Jesus, therefore, ever liveth to make intercession for us. But here he prays, and thanks the Father, and says, I knew that thou hearest me always, but because of the people which stand by, I sin. So he's making the connection between himself and the Father in that relationship and the harmony, them being deity. And so the Father, or the public affirmation of Jesus's mission and Jesus's unity with the Father, which would soon be authenticated by the raising of Lazarus from the dead. And so now we move to the actual miracle itself, the resurrection power. Verse 43, and when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. So he finished the prayer. And I don't know why it was in a loud voice so that as many people could hear and witness as possible and would witness this miracle for God's glory and for the good of the people and maybe drown out the mutterings of the masses that may have gathered around. And so there was no way that they would miss it. So as many as have mentioned in times past, Jesus's power, the power of his word, the power in his person was so great. People have said, and I agree, that if Jesus did not specifically mention Lazarus, everyone would have come forth from the grave. And of course, we know that there is a time when all will be raised from the dead, the just unto the life eternal, the resurrection of the life eternal, and the unjust under the condemnation of God's eternal judgment, as mentioned in John 5, 28 through 29. He speaks, Jesus does, as if Lazarus had lived. He was a dead body that now lived because he is God. calls things that do not exist as if they did. As Romans chapter 4 verse 17 says about the Abraham offering up his son Isaac and so forth. So Christ was given a preview of his divine power that he was going to display when he raises all the dead on the last day. And so now in verse 44, here it is. And he that was dead, think about this, let this sink in. And he that was dead came forth bound hand and foot with grave clothes and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, loose him and let him go. Can you imagine? Seeing that with your own eyes, Jesus speaking those simple yet profound words, Lazarus, come forth. And he comes out from the dead. How stunned and astonished and amazed the crowd must have been. And some of them maybe fled in panic over it. There were just brief words, but they were powerful words. And no doubt Lazarus heard the voice of his dear Savior and came forth. It's interesting that Jesus didn't display any theatrics about it. There wasn't a big, like in modern day, so-called healing movements today, that there's a lot of drama associated and theatrics and circus-like antics. But, I've always noticed, they never seem to be able to raise the dead. And so, that just makes me wonder about what they're doing. But, Jesus had and has this divine power. Jesus simply had His divine power speak for itself. At Jesus' command, the King of Terror yields up its captives. The grave is robbed of its victory as we find there in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. by the one who has the keys of death and hell, Christ himself, as we see recorded in Revelation 118. This is how Jesus calls forth people from the dead, dead in their trespasses and sins. And the person dead and defeated in sin and deception is called to a new life in Him. And Christ is still calling people from the dead and making them new creatures in Christ, risen in Him. He arose bound in these grave clothes. And, you know, No doubt shuffling, really, as he came forth. Bound in these grave clothes. But you know, Jesus was never one to be so carried away with the miracle and all the emotions that must have gone through all that to not deal with the practical needs at hand. Just like Jairus' daughter. What did Jesus say to Jairus and those around there for the daughter that he raised from the dead? To give her something to eat. You see, God addresses those things that are needful for the physical body as well. And then we see that he said, loose him and let him go. I mean, again, once more, Jesus involved the bystanders there in closest proximity. to in touching and unwrapping Lazarus themselves, the very mourners who may have doubted Jesus were agents in the completion of the miracle and by their participation be part of the sign. And therefore were undeniable witnesses to the power of Christ and His resurrection. What's interesting that this is where it closes. It closes at this point. He does not describe the tearful, joyful reunion that must have taken place with Mary and Martha or the stunned reactions of the crowd or anything like that. Why do you figure that is? All of this would have detracted from the main reason and the message that's associated with this miracle that Christ would be glorified and that those who read this account and heard of this account or saw it would believe that Jesus indeed is the one who he claimed to be. the Messiah, as we have referred to a number of times in going through this book in John 20 and verse 30. But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. And we're begotten, of course, by the Holy Spirit, but also by the Word of Truth. And so yet, as great as this miracle was, in Christ's resurrection from the dead, would be the ultimate miracle that was soon to come. Lazarus rose from the dead, but one day he was going to die again. He was going to need those grave clothes again. But Jesus arose, didn't need those grave clothes anymore, because he arose as a conqueror of death and hell and the grave. and for others. First Corinthians 15, 20 through 22 and verse 54 says, but now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man, that is the son of man, Jesus Christ, came also the resurrection of the dead, being a substitute. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. And so verse 54 says, So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory. Because of Christ's resurrection, He being the resurrection and the life, all believers, including Lazarus, shall receive glorified, incorruptible bodies. No more sin, no more sorrow, no more pain, no more sickness, no more death, only and always eternal life, eternal peace, eternal joy, eternal health forevermore. That's the God that I serve, and that's the God where most of us here serve. this afternoon. What a blessing that is. Praise and thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. And may we who believe rejoice evermore. And one day we certainly will. The eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. My desire is that the resurrection Jesus Christ, Him being the resurrection and the life, that it would be in real life in your life. That it would be a reality in your life if it's never taken place. What other hope do you have? There's no other hope other than that. The only thing that's left is eternal damnation and hell. for those who will reject the Lord Jesus Christ. May we, as God's people, enjoy and savor Christ being our resurrection and life as we walk more and more as we see the day approaching. in the newness of life that we have in Christ. Thank you for your attention. We'll go ahead and close in a word of prayer and ask also as we would pray, I would pray for the business meeting and ask Brother James if he would Dearly Father, I thank you for allowing us to come to you once again in prayer. We thank you, dear God, for this work this evening, Lord, and help us to understand and meditate upon it, Lord, to see Jesus Christ and his power, Lord, and the resurrection and resurrection to come of the body. Help us, dear God, that we would trust in you, Lord, and to know that you are and will do as you have promised. I ask, dear God, that you would help us to cast all our care upon you, knowing that you care for us. Direct our footsteps, Lord, lead us in paths of righteousness, for Thy name's sake. Lord, I ask You to bless and guide in his life. Send Your healing hand upon him, Lord, and touch his body, Lord, and bring him to a full measure of goodness, eyes and his heart, with the truth about Your Word. Lead his wife as well, Lord, and to save her soul. Direct in a special way, Lord, help them see Your hand, Lord, and just to help us to be a blessing to him. I thank you for each and everyone here today, Lord. Be it those that are not, that you bring them back to us at that point in time. Lord, we ask that your will be done in all things. Help us to seek your will, Lord, as we, by your grace, endeavor to go assist with the recovery aspects up in the western part of North Bay and sin against you. Help us that we would not sin against you, Lord, and that we would just be diligent in studying and praying, Lord. Help us that we would not grow cold as we see the day approaching, Lord, and we see the evil and the iniquity going on in the world. but help us to look up, Lord, and see Your return. Help us to just look for Your return, Lord, in You, and just rest in You and trust in You. All those things we ask in Christ Jesus' name, amen.