For those who are in Christ, death no longer has the final say.
The resurrection of Lazarus is about more than the resurrection of Lazarus. This incredible story in John’s Gospel points not just to our Lord’s power over the grave but also to His compassion for the grieving and brokenhearted. In fact, a preacher would do well to focus on the exchange between Jesus and Lazarus’ sisters Martha and Mary. Each go out to meet Him in turn, and their conversations offer a unique way to bring your hearers into this text.
As the scene opens, we become aware that Jesus alone is in control of the unfolding events. When word comes to Him that Lazarus is ill, He says, “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.” And He seems to intentionally wait two days before heading to Lazarus. Which means that it is on the third day that He goes to wake Lazarus from the grave. And while the disciples fear for His return to Judea, Jesus remains firm, saying, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”
When our Lord arrives in Bethany, Martha is the first to come out to meet Him. Their exchange is full of comfort and assurance in the face of death. It might work well in your preaching to spend some time focusing on how the Church regularly deals with death. Martha, after all, knows a lot of things. She knows there is hope in the coming of Christ. She believes in the resurrection on the last day. She even confesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Though she is grieved, she remains full of hope.
Though she is grieved, she remains full of hope.
There is much here that carries over to the Church’s witness in the face of the death of a saint. In fact, the Funeral Service in the Lutheran Service Book has the preacher recite these very words, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.” It is a bold statement of faith spoken in the presence of the grieving. And while it is true, faithful, and even necessary confession to make, every time I have led a funeral service, it seems to fall a bit short; short of the personal pian, the doubt and confusion which often accompany such a moment.
So, the text (and your sermon) turns toward our Lord’s interaction with Mary. Mary, who hears the call of her Good Shepherd (though Martha), rushed out to meet Him. She falls at His feet in homage and worship. She repeats Martha’s words, but she stops short of saying, “Even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.” If Jesus is truly the resurrection and the life, there is nothing more to say. She waits on the compassion of our Lord. When He sees her weeping, when He hears the mourners wailing, He is moved. Perhaps, we might even describe Him as angry, as He witnesses the effect of death. There is nothing natural about death, so our Lord steps forward to face it head-on. “Where have you laid him?” He asks. It is as if He said, “Where is the place of my battle?”
Then, we get to the shortest sentence in Scripture, “Jesus wept.” Here, your sermon can shift from the corporate work of the Church in the face of death to the personal and intimate application of Christ’s promises to the hurting and broken mourners. It would be a suitable time to share a story of a grieving brother or sister who needed more than the funeral service. They needed a Lord who would weep with them, a Lord who would lead the charge to face the undefeated enemy.
Addressing both the comfort of the Church’s witness before the grave and the personal promises of Christ to those who believe in Him, you are well prepared to preach the climactic moment, the calling of Lazarus out of the tomb. Truly, this is the resurrection and the life. For those who are in Christ, death no longer has the final say.
God bless your preaching!
Additional Resources:
Craft of Preaching-Check out 1517’s resources on John 11:1–45.
Concordia Theology-Various helps from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO to assist you in preaching John 11:1–45.
Lectionary Kick-Start-Check out this fantastic podcast from Craft of Preaching authors Peter Nafzger and David Schmitt as they dig into the texts for this Sunday!
The Pastor’s Workshop-Check out all the great preaching resources from our friends at the Pastor’s Workshop!
