“I AM…”

Scripture:       John 11:1-6, 11-15

C.I.:                The Resurrection & the Life

We’ve been studying… - Today Jesus is going to teach believers some valuable lessons on life!

I. Four Lessons for the Marthas (Believers) Out Here, (John 11:17-27)

A. Lesson #1:  Jesus Does Not Remove Trials (verse 21)

1. (v. 21), “Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

a. Martha, like so many of us – believes the presence of Jesus – removes problems for our lives!

1) Why she believes – (Mk. 1:34), “And He healed many who were ill with various diseases.”

2) People who believe Jesus will “raise the shields” over our lives will be disappointed

3) (Mk. 4:17), “…when affliction or persecution arise because of the word, immediately they…”

b. Presence of trials does not prove the absence of God – but the existence of a greater purpose

1) Without trials – certain qualities could not be produced!

(i) (Quote James 1:2-4), “Consider it all joy my brethren when you encounter various trials

2) Ultimately, Jesus has a two-fold purpose for this trial:

(i) (v. 4), “This sickness is not unto death, - but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”

(ii) (v. 15), “…I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe.”

3) When properly understood – trials glorify God – and strengthen our faith in Jesus!

B. Lesson #2:  Jesus is Not the “Junior-Varsity” (verse 22)

1. (v. 22), “Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

a. Martha had a limited faith in Christ – she believed Him to be in some way inferior to the Father!

1) Sadly, the enemies of Jesus - often have a better grasp on His nature - than do His followers:

(i) (Jn. 5:17-18), “‘My Father is working…’ – For this cause the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him… calling God His own Father, making Himself equal to God.”

(ii) They knew when Jesus called God “Father”-  it did not mean they had the same name – but rather the same nature! 

2. Now either Jesus is God - and is able to help us – or we need to leave Him altogether!

a. (Jn. 1:1), “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

b. (Jn. 1:18), “No one has seen God at any time; - the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.”

c. (Jn. 10:30), “I and the Father are one.”

3. Do we believe in a J.V. Jesus? – Do we have a limited faith in God?!

a. We do if: we put our faith in ourselves & not in Jesus - (Eph. 2:8-9) / prayers, attendance, etc.

b. We make our plans so small – that we can accomplish them without Jesus help - (Eph. 3:20).

4. Lesson #3:  Faith in Fundamentals is Not the Same as Faith in Jesus (verses 23-24)

a. (vs. 23-24), “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ – Martha said to Him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’”

1) Jesus couldn’t have said it plainer – “Your brother will rise again” – but Martha didn’t hear!

2) Her faith is in the fundamentals (the resurrection, Judgment Day, etc.) – but not in Jesus!

3) Faith in “Fundamentals” – won’t sustain us when life’s trials descend;

4) Demas – (quote Philemon 24; Col. 4:14; II Tim. 4:10)

5) What about us? – Faith in communion? Baptism? Autonomy? (Which will sustain us?!)

b. The most basic fundamental of faith – is Faith in Jesus!!!

1) (Heb. 11:6), “Without faith it is impossible to please God, - for he who comes to God must believe that HE IS – and that He is a rewarder of those who SEEK HIM!”

2) Faith in Jesus will carry us through the trials of this life!

                                            LORD’S SUPPER

5. Lesson #4:  Jesus is The Resurrection & The Life (verses 25-27)

a. (v. 25a), “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life…’”

1) Spiritual life exists - only by the power & will of Christ!

(i) (Jn. 1:4), “In Him was LIFE, and the LIFE was the light of men.”

(ii) (Jn. 10:10), “I have come that they might have LIFE, and might have it abundantly.”

(iii) So if a live person does not wish to die – only Jesus can keep him from dying!

2) On the other hand, - if a dead person wishes to live, - only Jesus can give him life

(i) (Eph. 2:1, 5), “You were dead… - when we were dead in our sins, He made us alive….”

b. (v. 25b), “…he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.”

1) Jesus saw the reality of both physical & the spiritual worlds – at the same time.

(i)  (v. 4, 14), “This sickness is not unto death” – “Lazarus is dead.”

(ii) (Rom. 6:23), “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in….”

2) God calls for us as His people – to have this same type of vision – 2 Cor. 4:18; 5:7

3) For Jesus - eternal “life” – was far more important than physical “death”

c. (v. 26), “…and everyone who LIVES and BELIEVES in Me shall never die.”

1) We understand what “Believe in Jesus” means – but what does “Live in Jesus” mean??!

(i) (Jn. 5:24), “Truly, truly, I say unto you, - he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life.”

(ii) (Jn. 8:51), “Truly, truly, I say unto you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

C. INVITATION:

1. Are you struggling with life’s trials – and are wondering why Jesus doesn’t remove them…?

2. Do you really believe Jesus is powerful enough to help you?

3. Are you putting your faith in your faith – but not in Jesus?

4. Are you ready for God to raise you from spiritual death? (I Peter 3:21; Rom. 6:4)