Jesus Confronts Death

Ed Kessler came back to bring us part two of his two-week series.

Ed led us through a deep dive through John 11:1-44. We learned just how profound, significant, important, and forever world-changing the miracle of Jesus calling Lazarus out of the grave was.

First off, if you read everything Jesus spoke from the time he was told Lazarus was ill, Jesus was not surprised by his death. God had this entire miracle lined-up before it happened. It was a “set up” for the miracle, the wonder, and the sign that He destined it to be.

Last week, we learned that…

Miracles = Action of Power
Wonders = Marvel and Amazement of the Miracle
Signs = Meaning of the Miracle

What was was the meaning of the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead?

Jesus proved, once and for all, the grave doesn't hold power over death.Therefore, we can take off the grave clothes like Lazarus did.

Can you imagine the chaos that ensued the moment Jesus ordered a four-day dead man to come out of his grave? In that moment, Jesus’ voice changed history. In that moment, life confronted death; good confronted evil; Jesus confronted the enemy…. And Jesus won!

The grave is not the end.

In John 11:25-26, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

For all who believe in Jesus, we will also be raised from the dead. His miracle, his defeat over death… it extends to each one of us. All we have to do is believe in Him.

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Ed called out the profound lyrics of the hymn, “Our Mighty Fortress,” written by Martin Luther. What a powerful worship for a powerful Victor and King!

Our Mighty Fortress

By: Martin Luther

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us;
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.