A Proper View of Death John 11:11-15 Two Deaths Three Reasons Jesus Was Glad
What did Jesus think about death? How did Jesus regard death? Did Jesus accept death? Did Jesus long for a stay of execution? A Proper View of Death John 11:11-15
Two Deaths The death of an unbeliever! Not encouraging on Jesus’ part; in fact, He warns of death in this state Matthew 25:41 – eternal fire Matthew 25:46 – eternal punishment Matthew 13:42 – weeping and gnashing of teeth Luke 16:19-31 Matthew 10:28 A Proper View of Death John 11:11-15
Two Deaths The death of a believer! Jesus was most encouraging about this state! Luke 16:22; 23:43 – entering Abraham’s bosom John 14:2 Here Jesus called death “sleep” A Proper View of Death John 11:11-15
Three Reasons Jesus Was Glad Reason #1 – Because Lazarus was a believer, Jesus understood what that meant for him, a homecoming. “Sleep” is harmless – Ps. 23:4; 1 Cor. 15:56,57 “Sleep” is not separation – Matthew 27:46 “Sleep” is restful – Eccl. 5:12; Rev. 14:13 “Sleep” is temporary – 2 Cor. 5:8 A Proper View of Death John 11:11-15
Three Reasons Jesus Was Glad Reason #2 – Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Death could not exist in the presence of Jesus Widow’s son at Nain, Jairus’ daughter Only Jesus can raise the dead Only Jesus can call forth the dead Not everyone knows His voice – John 8:43 Only His sheep respond to His voice – John 10:27 A Proper View of Death John 11:11-15
Three Reasons Jesus Was Glad Reason #3 – Jesus knew He would be strengthening the disciples’ faith. Jesus has already performed a resurrection in you! Has that resurrection in you had the same effect on others around you? John has recorded these miracles because they are examples for us of salvation – the impotent man, the blind man, and now Lazarus. A Proper View of Death John 11:11-15
Application Do you have a proper view of death? Has your resurrection helped others find Jesus? Compare Philippians 3:11 with Romans 8:38,39. A Proper View of Death John 11:11-15
Philippians 3:11 (NASB) 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Romans 8:38,39 (NASB) 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. A Proper View of Death