Title: Love Through Death and Glory
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John 11:1–16
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “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.” After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “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.” So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (ESV)
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In his sermon "Love Through Death & Glory," Jed Gillis delves into the story of Lazarus from John 11:1-16. Gillis focuses on four key elements: illness, death, love, and glory. He emphasizes that Lazarus's illness and subsequent death were not pointless but rather served a greater purpose—to display the glory of God. Jesus, in His divine wisdom, delayed His visit to Lazarus despite his dire condition. This delay was an act of love meant to reveal God's glory more profoundly.
Gillis explains that Jesus’s actions challenge our understanding of love and suffering. While Mary and Martha agonized over Lazarus's worsening condition, Jesus knew that allowing Lazarus to die would ultimately bring about a greater revelation of divine power and glory. The sermon highlights how Jesus uses suffering to deepen our faith and understanding of His magnificence.
By raising Lazarus from the dead after four days, Jesus demonstrated His authority over life and death, prefiguring His own resurrection. This act was not just a miracle for Lazarus but a lesson for all believers about the transformative power of witnessing God's glory through trials and tribulations.
Gillis ties this narrative to our lives, suggesting that our sufferings are opportunities for God to reveal His glory. He encourages believers to trust in God's timing and wisdom, even when it involves pain and waiting. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper faith that sees beyond immediate suffering to the eternal weight of glory prepared by God.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
