The Call Of Christ
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Celebrating in awe the call that transcends death and the curse of the Fall.
Text: John 11:38-44
Date: 08/12/2018, the Traditional service.
Series: "John: Encountering Love" Part 100
Description:
The action in John's 11th chapter finally comes to its climax when Jesus calls Lazarus to come forth from the tomb. We will view this epic event as a "living parable"-- something that without question happened historically, but is so rich with symbolic meaning that it can be viewed as a parable as well. We will analyze each aspect of this event, from Jesus' continued state of outrage and compassion, to Martha's objection to the tomb being opened, to Jesus' enigmatic prayer to the Father, to Lazarus' bizarre appearance when he emerged from the tomb. But our primary concentration will be on the call of Christ that transcends even death, and the impact He has as the Resurrection and the Life on sin and the curse of the Fall. Ultimately we will realize that once again the objective of the miracle is belief-- not just to those who lived in Jesus day, but believers and non-believers alike throughout the ages whose lives are radically and continually changed when they hear the Call of Christ.
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I. Introduction to a living parable.
II. Exposition of the text, John 11:38-44.
A. Context
1. Recalling the conversation with Martha, John 11:25-27.
2. Recalling the conversation with Mary, John 11:33-34.
B. Jesus calls Lazarus from the tomb.
1. Setting the scene, vs. 38.
a. Describing the tomb.
b. The Warrior at the sepulcher.
2. Martha's faith journey continues, vs. 39.
a. Removing the stone.
b. Martha's objection.
c. The process of sanctification.
3. Seeing the glory of God, vs. 40.
a. Faith on the move, John 11:27.
b. A selective audience.
4. Jesus' prayer of thanksgiving, vs. 41.
a. A private prayer, John 1:14, 5:19.
b. An enigmatic prayer, John 11:22.
5. Jesus' prayer for belief, vs. 42.
a. A public prayer.
b. An exercise in belief.
6. Analyzing the glorious call of Christ, vs. 43, John 5:28-29.
7. Lazarus comes forth, vs. 44.
a. A bizarre sight.
b. Removing the vestiges of death.
c. Further authentication.
III. Application
A. A verifiable physical miracle.
B. Illustrating a spiritual miracle.
1. The call to the unbeliever, Rom. 3:23,6:23; Eph. 2:1; John 3:18.
2. The call to the believer.
IV. Conclusion
