Towards An Existential Belief
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Emphasizing the significance of Martha's existential faith journey.
Text: John 11:17-24
Date: 07/08/2018, the Traditional service.
Series: "John: Encountering Love" Part 97
Description:
As our study of the epic story of the resurrection of Lazarus continues, Jesus and His disciples arrive in Bethany after an intentional delay to find Lazarus dead and the sisters in mourning. Our focus will be on Martha and the conversation she has with Jesus. We will see her as the epitome of a deeply conflicted disciple, caught in the head-on collision between her faith in the promises Jesus has made and the stark reality of her circumstances. But most importantly we will monitor her faith journey, guided by Jesus Himself, as her belief makes the transition from a generalized, conceptual idea of the resurrection, to a real, personal, existential belief that Jesus and He alone is the Resurrection. Ultimately we will learn that belief in the trappings of religion is not enough. It is only when we make the journey towards an existential belief and have a personal relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord that we experience the true glory of the Resurrection and the Life.
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I. Introduction, John 6:48.
II. Exposition of the text, John 11:17-24.
A. Context
B. Martha's existential faith journey.
1. Three recurring themes to watch for.
2. Setting the scene, vs. 17-19.
a. The significance of the timing of Jesus' arrival, vs. 17.
i. Establishing the timeline, John 11:4,14,15.
ii. The condition of Lazarus' body.
iii. The significance of the fourth day.
iv. The spiritual significance, Eph. 2:1.
b. The significance of the location of Jesus' arrival, vs. 18, John 11:7.
c. A mournful scene, vs. 19.
3. The conversation between Martha and Jesus, vs. 20-24.
a. Martha goes to greet Jesus, vs. 20.
i. The sisters in perfect character, Luke 10:38-42.
ii. Comparing their reactions.
iii. Learning from Martha's example.
b. Evidence of a conflicted belief, vs. 21-22.
i. Martha's deep sorrow, vs. 21.
• A foundational belief.
• A confused belief.
• A lacking belief, John 11:4.
• Learning from Martha's example, John 11:5.
ii. Martha's enigmatic hope, vs. 22.
• The collision of promise and circumstance.
• A disciple in inner-turmoil.
• Learning from Martha's example.
c. A "masterpiece of planned ambiguity", vs. 23, 1Cor. 15:25-27, Rom. 6:23.
d. Martha's misunderstanding, vs. 24.
i. The nature of her response.
ii. A generalized understanding.
• Grounded in the Old Testament, Dan. 12:2, Isa. 26:19, Job 19:26.
• Illuminated by the teaching of Jesus, John 5:21, 28-29, 6:39-40.
iii. Another confused disciple.
iv. Recognizing the journey.
III. Application
A. The journey of the confused nominal believer, Phil. 1:21, Matt. 7:22-23.
B. The journey of the would-be disciple.
IV. Conclusion
