WEBVTT 00:00:00.900 --> 00:00:06.799 The glory of God is something that we think about, we sing about it, we hear definitions 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:14.720 of it, such as God's glory is the sum total of all that he is, his very essence is glory. 00:00:15.540 --> 00:00:19.460 There are Old Testament and New Testament references of God's glory. 00:00:19.800 --> 00:00:25.640 God's glory was seen in the spectacle of the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, the time 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:26.120 of Moses. 00:00:26.120 --> 00:00:32.280 Moses, those who were wandering in the wilderness witnessed it every day in the form of a cloud 00:00:32.280 --> 00:00:36.880 during the day and a pillar of fire at night. 00:00:37.840 --> 00:00:42.020 Cloud always telling him where to go or where to stop, where to set up camp, where to move 00:00:42.020 --> 00:00:42.359 on. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:50.939 All of that, a visible image, as it were, of the presence of God. 00:00:50.939 --> 00:00:56.960 First in the tabernacle, later in the temple, the glory of God in the form of a cloud filled 00:00:56.960 --> 00:01:02.359 those structures, providing a visual image again of this invisible essence and presence 00:01:02.359 --> 00:01:02.899 of God. 00:01:03.759 --> 00:01:08.879 Glory of God is seen in the New Testament, in Jesus, in his teaching, in his miracles, the 00:01:08.879 --> 00:01:11.939 miracles that he performed as recorded by the gospel writers. 00:01:12.479 --> 00:01:16.739 On the Mount of Transfiguration, you recall that Jesus, as he's standing there, begins 00:01:16.739 --> 00:01:17.399 to glow. 00:01:17.959 --> 00:01:20.899 His essential glory begins to shine forth. 00:01:21.959 --> 00:01:26.739 When John wrote his gospel in the very first chapter, he said, 00:01:27.539 --> 00:01:31.399 And the word became flesh and dwelled among us. 00:01:32.179 --> 00:01:34.719 And we have seen his glory. 00:01:34.899 --> 00:01:37.259 Glory as of the only Son from the Father. 00:01:38.119 --> 00:01:43.659 I assume that John was including Jesus' miracles as well as his glorified state after the resurrection 00:01:43.659 --> 00:01:44.579 and what he saw. 00:01:45.459 --> 00:01:51.039 The record of the glory of the Lord Jesus was given that we might believe that Jesus is 00:01:51.039 --> 00:01:54.939 the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, we might have life through his name. 00:01:55.759 --> 00:01:59.060 The glory of God is made known through the Son of God. 00:02:00.060 --> 00:02:07.140 When Jesus had received word that Lazarus was ill, he told his disciples, 00:02:07.140 --> 00:02:10.080 This illness does not lead to death. 00:02:10.620 --> 00:02:16.979 It is for the glory of God so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. 00:02:17.939 --> 00:02:23.180 Somewhere in that conversation with Martha, Jesus had said something earlier, apparently, 00:02:23.340 --> 00:02:27.020 for in today's text, Jesus asked this rhetorical question. 00:02:27.759 --> 00:02:34.460 Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? 00:02:34.460 --> 00:02:39.800 If you want to turn your Bibles to John chapter 11, you can turn there. 00:02:39.879 --> 00:02:44.520 We're going to look at just the last portion of that account of Lazarus. 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:48.040 And I put some notes in your bulletin. 00:02:48.360 --> 00:02:49.819 Kelly, put those for us. 00:02:50.420 --> 00:02:52.159 And they'll help you follow. 00:02:52.260 --> 00:02:56.060 And if you don't have a Bible with you, the text of what I'm dealing with is actually printed 00:02:56.060 --> 00:02:57.860 on the back of your bulletin. 00:02:57.860 --> 00:03:04.700 So along with Mary and along with Martha and the disciples and everyone else at the funeral, 00:03:04.880 --> 00:03:07.540 we are about to be exposed to the glory of God. 00:03:07.920 --> 00:03:15.380 That glory will be made known as a result of obedience to three commands that Jesus gave in this text. 00:03:16.060 --> 00:03:19.540 The first command was take away the stone. 00:03:20.440 --> 00:03:22.700 So let me read that portion of the text. 00:03:22.699 --> 00:03:24.539 Verse 38. 00:03:24.759 --> 00:03:28.339 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. 00:03:28.459 --> 00:03:29.199 It was a cave. 00:03:29.639 --> 00:03:31.179 And a stone lay against it. 00:03:31.839 --> 00:03:33.879 Jesus said, take away the stone. 00:03:34.679 --> 00:03:38.060 Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, 00:03:38.339 --> 00:03:40.679 Lord, by this time there will be an odor. 00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:44.219 Or if you have King James, he stinketh. 00:03:44.439 --> 00:03:44.719 All right? 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:46.799 Pretty raw. 00:03:46.959 --> 00:03:48.439 But that's the idea. 00:03:48.439 --> 00:03:53.419 The rest of the text, that section of the text says, for he has been dead four days. 00:03:54.680 --> 00:04:01.719 Jesus said to her, did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? 00:04:02.359 --> 00:04:04.280 And so they took away the stone. 00:04:06.419 --> 00:04:13.860 It's interesting to me in verse 39 that there is somewhat of a hesitation by Martha when Jesus makes that command. 00:04:13.860 --> 00:04:22.819 I think that Martha didn't really have confidence that Jesus knew what would be exposed when the tomb was opened. 00:04:23.740 --> 00:04:26.680 I mean, from her perspective, that looked like a really bad idea. 00:04:28.020 --> 00:04:31.300 I mean, generally, Jews did not embalm their dead. 00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:40.139 So the spices that were used were used to mask the putrid odor of decay, which would be evident very quickly. 00:04:40.860 --> 00:04:43.480 Four days was a long time. 00:04:44.060 --> 00:04:52.560 Now, there were some people who had the superstition that the spirit of dead people would hang around for up to three days after death. 00:04:53.020 --> 00:04:55.900 But after that, there would be no return to mortal life. 00:04:56.340 --> 00:05:01.300 Now, that isn't true, but that's what many believed then and, frankly, even believe now. 00:05:03.879 --> 00:05:12.580 With Lazarus being four days in the tomb, any suspicion or superstition, I should say, from what Jesus was about to do would be removed. 00:05:12.579 --> 00:05:42.560 Lazarus was dead. 00:05:42.579 --> 00:05:45.159 But the challenge is there by Jesus. 00:05:45.159 --> 00:05:53.180 For hesitation, or let's just call it what it is, unbelief, stood in the way of the display of the glory of God. 00:05:53.180 --> 00:06:05.780 But the challenges there by Jesus, the words of Jesus are connected to what he had said earlier, actually, in the same chapter in verse 4 in regard to the glory of God. 00:06:05.779 --> 00:06:09.359 In verse 4 of chapter 11, he says this, 00:06:09.360 --> 00:06:22.280 Think about that. 00:06:22.279 --> 00:06:29.479 This illness is for the glory of God so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. 00:06:30.199 --> 00:06:32.559 And now he says to Martha in our text, 00:06:32.739 --> 00:06:38.259 Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? 00:06:38.259 --> 00:06:42.539 The glory of God wasn't on her radar, but it soon would be. 00:06:43.800 --> 00:06:50.759 So Jesus was about to demonstrate what he had announced to Martha a little bit earlier, 00:06:50.839 --> 00:06:57.659 that he was the resurrection and the life, and that the people were about to witness the display of the glory of God. 00:06:58.120 --> 00:07:03.519 Jesus' statement, though probably not understood at the time, seemed to be enough for the command to be carried out. 00:07:03.519 --> 00:07:07.879 So, people moved the stone. 00:07:08.699 --> 00:07:09.359 The text says, 00:07:09.500 --> 00:07:14.859 So they took away the stone, and what they saw or smelled was not told. 00:07:15.299 --> 00:07:18.859 That's not really important, though it is interesting to speculate. 00:07:19.939 --> 00:07:23.419 I mean, I'm guessing what they saw and smelled was not good. 00:07:24.599 --> 00:07:28.299 Lazarus was still dead when the stone was removed. 00:07:28.839 --> 00:07:30.500 He was not mostly dead. 00:07:31.180 --> 00:07:32.259 He was dead. 00:07:33.519 --> 00:07:39.019 What they saw, and at that time, again, is not told, but the decay had not been halted. 00:07:39.599 --> 00:07:42.199 Lazarus was dead, and he had been dead for four days. 00:07:42.539 --> 00:07:45.079 There was no airbrushing the situation. 00:07:46.379 --> 00:07:48.000 For a brief time, nothing happened. 00:07:49.120 --> 00:07:50.539 The open tomb remained quiet. 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:54.299 I have no idea what the people were expecting Jesus to do, 00:07:55.879 --> 00:07:59.219 but I don't think they were prepared for what was about to happen. 00:07:59.220 --> 00:08:06.340 Now, with the tomb opened, the next command was the command to the dead guy, Lazarus. 00:08:07.220 --> 00:08:09.340 Lazarus, come out. 00:08:10.280 --> 00:08:13.520 But before Jesus gives that command, he prays. 00:08:14.200 --> 00:08:15.960 According to our text, it says this. 00:08:15.959 --> 00:08:18.159 Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, 00:08:18.239 --> 00:08:20.779 Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 00:08:21.239 --> 00:08:23.219 I knew that you always hear me, 00:08:23.680 --> 00:08:26.819 but I said this on account of the people standing around, 00:08:26.959 --> 00:08:29.259 that they may believe that you sent me. 00:08:29.919 --> 00:08:32.399 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, 00:08:32.779 --> 00:08:33.980 Lazarus, come out. 00:08:33.980 --> 00:08:36.620 And the man who had died came out, 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:38.879 his hands and feet bound with linen strips, 00:08:39.180 --> 00:08:41.879 and his face wrapped with a cloth. 00:08:42.899 --> 00:08:46.320 Before Jesus gives this command, he prays. 00:08:46.340 --> 00:08:47.940 And it's a prayer of thanksgiving. 00:08:49.279 --> 00:08:50.980 This was, by the way, not a request. 00:08:51.080 --> 00:08:53.860 Most of the time when we pray, we're asking for things. 00:08:53.940 --> 00:08:54.980 We're making requests. 00:08:55.460 --> 00:08:57.980 This was not a request by Jesus. 00:08:57.980 --> 00:09:01.159 This was a recognition of the Father's will 00:09:01.159 --> 00:09:04.000 and thanksgiving for the Father's provision. 00:09:04.980 --> 00:09:06.399 This was already the plan. 00:09:06.639 --> 00:09:09.779 Jesus in the flesh always did the will of the Father. 00:09:10.259 --> 00:09:13.360 And this was the will of the Father to make his glory known 00:09:13.360 --> 00:09:15.200 and to glorify his Son. 00:09:15.620 --> 00:09:18.800 What Jesus was about to do would accomplish that very purpose. 00:09:19.680 --> 00:09:22.259 Many would believe that he had been sent by the Father 00:09:22.259 --> 00:09:25.320 and they would then see the glory of God. 00:09:25.320 --> 00:09:30.000 This was recognition that the Father always hears the Son. 00:09:30.500 --> 00:09:33.500 Not only does Jesus acknowledge that the Father heard him, 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:35.160 but he also acknowledged, 00:09:35.400 --> 00:09:36.980 I knew that you always hear me. 00:09:38.140 --> 00:09:41.900 This was recognition that what Jesus was about to do 00:09:41.900 --> 00:09:44.040 would result in people believing who he was, 00:09:44.860 --> 00:09:46.320 the one who was sent by the Father. 00:09:47.020 --> 00:09:49.100 This prayer was to the Father, 00:09:49.420 --> 00:09:51.120 but it was also a public prayer. 00:09:51.880 --> 00:09:54.400 Jesus intended other people to hear it. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:57.679 There was a message in there for them. 00:09:58.679 --> 00:10:00.799 Sometimes, it happens in church some, 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:03.539 sometimes when we pray publicly, 00:10:04.120 --> 00:10:09.319 we also are praying and giving messages to the congregation. 00:10:09.679 --> 00:10:11.439 Sometimes that's very appropriate. 00:10:12.860 --> 00:10:13.539 Sometimes not. 00:10:14.679 --> 00:10:17.279 But here Jesus, as he's praying, 00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:18.340 he's talking to the Father, 00:10:18.439 --> 00:10:20.460 but he's also talking to the people around him. 00:10:20.460 --> 00:10:23.299 He wants them to hear his prayer to the Father. 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:26.179 And after the prayer of thanksgiving, 00:10:26.439 --> 00:10:28.740 there was this impossible command that's given. 00:10:29.240 --> 00:10:30.899 Lazarus, come out. 00:10:32.439 --> 00:10:35.000 Dead people don't respond. 00:10:36.579 --> 00:10:37.719 We know that. 00:10:38.319 --> 00:10:39.379 They don't respond. 00:10:39.819 --> 00:10:40.839 Command all you want, 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:43.159 but they are not going to do anything 00:10:43.159 --> 00:10:45.519 unless Jesus, 00:10:45.859 --> 00:10:47.759 who is the resurrection and the life, 00:10:48.219 --> 00:10:49.279 would call them. 00:10:49.279 --> 00:10:52.360 I work part-time in a funeral home. 00:10:54.919 --> 00:10:56.439 I look like I do, maybe. 00:10:56.699 --> 00:10:57.120 I don't know. 00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:02.120 So, I've witnessed 00:11:02.120 --> 00:11:04.879 dozens and dozens and dozens of funerals. 00:11:06.019 --> 00:11:08.439 I've never seen somebody crawl out of the casket yet. 00:11:09.439 --> 00:11:10.120 It doesn't happen. 00:11:11.059 --> 00:11:12.839 When you're dead, you're dead. 00:11:12.840 --> 00:11:16.420 And this line cannot be crossed. 00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:20.139 Death is separation of the spirit from the body. 00:11:20.240 --> 00:11:21.899 And when that separation happens, 00:11:22.480 --> 00:11:24.820 nothing can restore mortal life, 00:11:25.180 --> 00:11:27.860 except, in this case, 00:11:28.259 --> 00:11:31.440 the one who holds the keys to death. 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:34.139 Dead people don't respond. 00:11:34.700 --> 00:11:35.860 And there's a reason for that. 00:11:35.940 --> 00:11:38.259 They don't respond because they can't respond. 00:11:38.800 --> 00:11:39.280 They're dead. 00:11:39.279 --> 00:11:41.740 Now, think a little bit about this. 00:11:41.939 --> 00:11:44.419 This gets a little bit weird, maybe, 00:11:44.579 --> 00:11:45.699 but think about this. 00:11:46.019 --> 00:11:48.240 I was reading a commentary recently, 00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:52.299 and this person helps to get the picture here. 00:11:53.039 --> 00:11:53.319 He said, 00:11:53.559 --> 00:11:56.179 this kind of divine power, 00:11:56.360 --> 00:11:57.459 this power of Jesus, 00:11:57.899 --> 00:12:00.519 as he calls Lazarus to come out, 00:12:01.019 --> 00:12:02.480 this kind of divine power 00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:04.519 stops the progress of decay, 00:12:05.419 --> 00:12:06.839 reverses rigor mortis, 00:12:06.840 --> 00:12:09.720 pours new life into rotted organs, 00:12:10.280 --> 00:12:12.580 starts a bloodless, decomposing heart, 00:12:12.759 --> 00:12:14.820 beating and pumping fresh new blood 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:16.680 to every organ and every limb. 00:12:17.540 --> 00:12:20.360 The kind of power that creates a brand new body 00:12:20.360 --> 00:12:21.960 that creates blood out of nothing 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:24.399 and makes it flow fast and fresh. 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:26.960 This is the kind of power 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:30.540 that takes sightless, decomposed eyes 00:12:30.540 --> 00:12:31.580 and gives new tissue, 00:12:31.580 --> 00:12:33.800 new nerve, new vision, 00:12:33.799 --> 00:12:36.179 that takes a non-functioning, 00:12:36.339 --> 00:12:38.179 decomposed mass of brain tissue 00:12:38.179 --> 00:12:40.879 and recreates it so that it can think 00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:43.579 and feel and move and speak. 00:12:44.139 --> 00:12:46.939 It's a staggering demonstration of power 00:12:46.939 --> 00:12:49.899 of a man four days dead. 00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:52.500 Dead people can't respond 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:57.559 unless Jesus brings them to life. 00:12:57.559 --> 00:12:59.319 And when he did, 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:01.779 when he did call in this situation, 00:13:02.319 --> 00:13:03.299 the dead guy lives. 00:13:04.459 --> 00:13:06.799 So the man who died came out. 00:13:07.179 --> 00:13:08.479 Just process that for a minute. 00:13:09.039 --> 00:13:09.559 He's dead, 00:13:09.979 --> 00:13:10.959 dead for four days. 00:13:11.339 --> 00:13:12.139 He's in the tomb. 00:13:12.939 --> 00:13:14.119 It's a funeral service. 00:13:15.539 --> 00:13:16.799 Jesus has to move the tomb, 00:13:17.059 --> 00:13:17.500 the stone, 00:13:18.339 --> 00:13:19.319 calls his name, 00:13:19.959 --> 00:13:20.779 he walks out. 00:13:22.159 --> 00:13:24.459 All the way back in John chapter five, 00:13:24.460 --> 00:13:26.500 actually Jesus had said, 00:13:26.920 --> 00:13:28.340 truly, truly, truly, 00:13:28.340 --> 00:13:29.060 I say to you, 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:30.160 an hour is coming 00:13:30.160 --> 00:13:32.180 and is now here 00:13:32.180 --> 00:13:33.160 when the dead will hear 00:13:33.160 --> 00:13:34.560 the voice of the Son of God 00:13:34.560 --> 00:13:36.240 and those who hear 00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:37.980 will live. 00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:39.940 For as the Father 00:13:39.940 --> 00:13:41.000 has life in himself, 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:42.940 so he has granted the Son 00:13:42.940 --> 00:13:44.240 to have life in himself. 00:13:44.920 --> 00:13:46.639 And he has given him authority 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:47.820 to execute judgment 00:13:47.820 --> 00:13:49.960 because he is the Son of Man. 00:13:50.800 --> 00:13:52.019 Do not marvel at this. 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:54.460 For an hour is coming 00:13:54.460 --> 00:13:56.620 when all who are in the tombs 00:13:56.620 --> 00:13:57.480 will hear his voice 00:13:57.480 --> 00:13:58.279 and come out. 00:13:58.699 --> 00:13:59.639 Those who have done good 00:13:59.639 --> 00:14:00.819 to resurrection of life 00:14:00.819 --> 00:14:02.500 and those who have done evil 00:14:02.500 --> 00:14:04.539 to the resurrection of judgment. 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:07.460 So what was all of this 00:14:07.460 --> 00:14:08.319 really about? 00:14:09.240 --> 00:14:09.960 I mean, ultimately, 00:14:10.220 --> 00:14:12.159 this was not so much 00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:13.860 about the raising of Lazarus 00:14:13.860 --> 00:14:15.919 as it was the glory of God. 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:17.460 I mean, think about it for a minute. 00:14:17.579 --> 00:14:19.079 This was not a great blessing 00:14:19.079 --> 00:14:20.079 for Lazarus. 00:14:20.080 --> 00:14:23.139 He was brought back, 00:14:23.680 --> 00:14:24.960 presumably from paradise, 00:14:25.440 --> 00:14:26.780 to an earthly life, 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:29.520 and he would have to die again. 00:14:31.259 --> 00:14:32.879 It was, at best, 00:14:32.960 --> 00:14:33.960 a temporary blessing 00:14:33.960 --> 00:14:35.620 for his sisters to have him back, 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:37.240 but there would be 00:14:37.240 --> 00:14:40.060 another grieving process later. 00:14:41.240 --> 00:14:42.620 This was a picture 00:14:42.620 --> 00:14:45.820 taken out of reality, 00:14:46.820 --> 00:14:48.420 the reality of physical life, 00:14:48.419 --> 00:14:50.599 to illustrate what God does 00:14:50.599 --> 00:14:52.360 in relation to spiritual life. 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:54.199 Lazarus was dead. 00:14:54.979 --> 00:14:56.500 Lazarus was unable to respond. 00:14:57.179 --> 00:14:58.279 There was no hope. 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:00.000 But when Jesus came 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:00.979 and called his name, 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:03.059 that which was impossible 00:15:03.059 --> 00:15:04.019 happened. 00:15:04.579 --> 00:15:06.519 Lazarus came back to life. 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:08.679 He didn't decide to come alive. 00:15:09.319 --> 00:15:11.579 He didn't negotiate with Jesus 00:15:11.579 --> 00:15:13.419 about coming to life. 00:15:13.419 --> 00:15:15.919 He didn't believe 00:15:15.919 --> 00:15:17.479 in order to be raised. 00:15:17.839 --> 00:15:20.059 When Jesus called his name, 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:21.039 what did he do? 00:15:21.819 --> 00:15:23.279 He did what he couldn't do. 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:24.939 Namely, he comes to life 00:15:24.939 --> 00:15:26.059 and walks out of the tomb. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:30.099 See, we are dead in our sin, 00:15:30.259 --> 00:15:31.779 and nothing can change that. 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:33.479 We can't respond. 00:15:34.299 --> 00:15:35.099 We're dead. 00:15:35.679 --> 00:15:36.860 But when Jesus calls, 00:15:36.979 --> 00:15:37.939 there's no hesitation. 00:15:38.839 --> 00:15:39.879 We are quickened. 00:15:39.959 --> 00:15:40.679 We come alive. 00:15:40.679 --> 00:15:43.199 The former death and decay are gone. 00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:45.000 We are new creations 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:46.019 in Christ Jesus. 00:15:46.239 --> 00:15:48.919 The miracle of resurrection 00:15:48.919 --> 00:15:50.799 to mortal life for Lazarus 00:15:50.799 --> 00:15:51.759 was only an illustration 00:15:51.759 --> 00:15:53.059 of the glory of God 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:55.339 evidenced by eternal life in Jesus. 00:15:56.079 --> 00:15:57.739 Remember why John wrote the book. 00:15:58.319 --> 00:16:00.139 Toward the end of the book, 00:16:00.199 --> 00:16:00.919 in chapter 20, 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:01.319 he says, 00:16:01.959 --> 00:16:02.779 these are written 00:16:02.779 --> 00:16:03.939 that you might believe 00:16:03.939 --> 00:16:05.859 that Jesus is the Christ, 00:16:05.959 --> 00:16:07.819 the Son of the living God, 00:16:07.820 --> 00:16:09.600 and by believing, 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:11.040 you might have what? 00:16:11.500 --> 00:16:13.420 Life through his name. 00:16:15.340 --> 00:16:17.640 So Lazarus came out of the grave, 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:19.120 and then Jesus gives 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:21.160 a final command here. 00:16:21.960 --> 00:16:24.320 Unbind him and let him go. 00:16:25.420 --> 00:16:26.560 Why did he say that? 00:16:28.160 --> 00:16:30.020 I'm guessing that he gave 00:16:30.020 --> 00:16:31.020 those instructions 00:16:31.020 --> 00:16:32.100 for a couple of reasons. 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:33.500 One, because the people 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:33.920 were, I think, 00:16:34.040 --> 00:16:36.700 frozen in stunned observation. 00:16:36.700 --> 00:16:39.020 I mean, think about it. 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:40.120 What would you do 00:16:40.120 --> 00:16:42.200 if someone emerged 00:16:42.200 --> 00:16:42.960 from the tomb 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:43.920 who had been dead 00:16:43.920 --> 00:16:45.020 for a long time, 00:16:45.220 --> 00:16:46.780 and he comes walking out 00:16:46.780 --> 00:16:48.240 still wrapped in the grave club? 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:50.020 What would you do? 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:53.000 If you didn't run away, 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:55.900 you would probably stand there 00:16:55.900 --> 00:16:57.440 in stunned unbelief. 00:16:58.680 --> 00:17:00.440 I think that's what we have here. 00:17:00.520 --> 00:17:01.560 The people didn't know 00:17:01.560 --> 00:17:02.500 what to make of it. 00:17:02.960 --> 00:17:04.680 So Jesus calls to them 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:06.500 to unbind Lazarus 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:07.220 and let him go. 00:17:07.360 --> 00:17:08.160 Beyond the obvious, 00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:09.380 is there anything else 00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:09.960 that we should get 00:17:09.960 --> 00:17:10.660 from that command? 00:17:12.160 --> 00:17:15.440 I'm going to suggest something here 00:17:15.440 --> 00:17:17.000 that may seem a little odd, 00:17:17.080 --> 00:17:18.019 but I'm going to call this 00:17:18.019 --> 00:17:19.880 the call to care and feeding. 00:17:21.340 --> 00:17:22.440 By that I mean this. 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:24.279 Only God can grant life. 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.060 Bottom line, 00:17:25.180 --> 00:17:25.960 God can do whatever 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:26.799 he wants to do, 00:17:26.840 --> 00:17:27.500 and he does. 00:17:27.500 --> 00:17:30.119 But God also gives us 00:17:30.119 --> 00:17:30.799 the privilege 00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:32.599 and the responsibility 00:17:32.599 --> 00:17:34.720 to do certain things 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:35.940 in concert 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:37.839 with what he does. 00:17:38.920 --> 00:17:40.500 See, God uses his word 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:42.259 in conjunction with his spirit 00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:43.859 to bring life to sinners. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:45.579 That's regeneration. 00:17:46.460 --> 00:17:47.039 For those of you 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:49.279 who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:49.940 as your Savior, 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:50.680 you're saved, 00:17:50.920 --> 00:17:51.460 born again, 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:52.779 whatever term you want to use there, 00:17:53.200 --> 00:17:54.279 you belong to him, 00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:56.240 you were regenerated 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:57.519 at some point in your life. 00:17:58.119 --> 00:17:58.680 As it were, 00:17:58.799 --> 00:18:00.180 you were dead like Lazarus 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:01.359 and he called your name 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:03.480 and you embraced him by faith. 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:04.220 You did that 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.879 because he regenerated you. 00:18:06.379 --> 00:18:08.139 He made you alive in Christ. 00:18:10.559 --> 00:18:12.059 Salvation is entirely 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:13.139 the work of God, 00:18:13.579 --> 00:18:15.220 but he uses people 00:18:15.220 --> 00:18:17.599 to disseminate his message. 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:21.220 That's why we're told 00:18:21.220 --> 00:18:23.319 to sow the seed of the gospel. 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:25.200 That's why we're told 00:18:25.200 --> 00:18:26.480 to go and tell. 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:27.639 That's why we're told 00:18:27.639 --> 00:18:28.740 to make disciples. 00:18:29.539 --> 00:18:31.159 Here, Jesus raised Lazarus 00:18:31.159 --> 00:18:31.799 from the dead, 00:18:31.899 --> 00:18:32.980 all Jesus doing, 00:18:33.639 --> 00:18:34.700 but he calls the people 00:18:34.700 --> 00:18:36.279 to remove the grave clothes 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:37.859 so Lazarus can walk. 00:18:38.879 --> 00:18:40.059 Jesus alone brings 00:18:40.059 --> 00:18:41.980 spiritually dead people to life, 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:44.500 but he gives us the privilege 00:18:44.500 --> 00:18:46.379 of caring for these new believers 00:18:46.379 --> 00:18:47.859 and teaching them 00:18:47.859 --> 00:18:48.919 and helping them 00:18:48.919 --> 00:18:49.960 so they can walk 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:51.919 in their newfound faith in Christ. 00:18:51.920 --> 00:18:54.100 So as Lazarus came out 00:18:54.100 --> 00:18:54.700 of the tomb, 00:18:55.240 --> 00:18:56.220 he was now alive, 00:18:56.340 --> 00:18:57.240 but some of the things 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:59.400 that covered the deadness 00:18:59.400 --> 00:19:00.240 and the stench 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.340 were still attached. 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:04.580 They were a distraction 00:19:04.580 --> 00:19:06.019 from what was otherwise 00:19:06.019 --> 00:19:07.660 this miraculous life 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:08.420 now on display. 00:19:09.300 --> 00:19:10.560 So it is with us. 00:19:11.039 --> 00:19:11.740 We were dead, 00:19:11.820 --> 00:19:12.920 not just four days, 00:19:13.039 --> 00:19:14.600 but we were dead spiritually 00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:16.879 and really had never been alive. 00:19:17.679 --> 00:19:19.259 But Jesus called our name 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:20.779 and we came forth, 00:19:21.159 --> 00:19:21.899 alive in him. 00:19:22.359 --> 00:19:24.500 Everything about us was new, 00:19:24.879 --> 00:19:26.000 but some of the wrappings 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:28.439 of the past were still attached. 00:19:29.019 --> 00:19:29.799 They needed to go. 00:19:30.399 --> 00:19:31.619 They served no purpose. 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.439 The beauty of life 00:19:33.439 --> 00:19:36.379 was obscured by the rags of death. 00:19:37.119 --> 00:19:38.779 So Jesus asked the people 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:40.219 to help their friend. 00:19:40.859 --> 00:19:42.059 God alone brings life, 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:43.079 but he uses people 00:19:43.079 --> 00:19:44.059 to make it visible. 00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:46.579 It's part of the work 00:19:46.579 --> 00:19:47.839 of the body of Christ 00:19:47.839 --> 00:19:48.700 to help one another 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:50.679 walk without hindrances. 00:19:51.679 --> 00:19:53.200 We all still have 00:19:53.200 --> 00:19:53.960 some grave clothes 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:54.839 that need to be removed. 00:19:55.039 --> 00:19:55.579 All of us. 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.980 May we not resist those 00:19:57.980 --> 00:19:59.579 who are trying to help us 00:19:59.579 --> 00:20:01.359 and may we not turn away 00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:02.779 from those who need our help. 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:05.960 So when we work together, 00:20:06.139 --> 00:20:08.399 God's glory is fully on display. 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:09.659 He's still calling, 00:20:09.819 --> 00:20:10.599 unbind him, 00:20:10.899 --> 00:20:11.679 and let him go. 00:20:11.680 --> 00:20:14.160 Now there's more to this, 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:14.519 I think, 00:20:14.600 --> 00:20:15.900 that we need to see and apply, 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:17.340 but let me just conclude 00:20:17.340 --> 00:20:18.759 with a few observations 00:20:18.759 --> 00:20:21.779 in regard to this miracle 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:22.960 and the glory of God. 00:20:23.259 --> 00:20:23.740 First of all, 00:20:23.840 --> 00:20:24.880 the glory of God 00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:26.560 is seen in the granting 00:20:26.560 --> 00:20:28.220 of life from death. 00:20:28.840 --> 00:20:31.060 This account from John, 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.060 chapter 11, 00:20:32.320 --> 00:20:33.759 listen, it really happened. 00:20:33.880 --> 00:20:35.019 This was a real-life, 00:20:35.120 --> 00:20:36.480 historical thing, all right? 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:38.120 Sometimes when we read the Bible, 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:39.560 I think some people think that, 00:20:39.559 --> 00:20:41.379 for whatever reason, 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:42.839 that this was just a story, 00:20:42.899 --> 00:20:43.299 it didn't happen. 00:20:43.359 --> 00:20:44.039 No, this happened. 00:20:44.480 --> 00:20:45.259 This was real. 00:20:45.619 --> 00:20:47.159 This happened around 30 AD, 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:49.139 and all this took place. 00:20:50.460 --> 00:20:52.399 But it's also an illustration 00:20:52.399 --> 00:20:54.059 of God's glory 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:56.179 in the granting of eternal life 00:20:56.179 --> 00:20:57.779 to people who are spiritually dead. 00:20:58.779 --> 00:21:00.220 What better way to teach 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:02.440 the concept of what we cannot see 00:21:02.440 --> 00:21:04.240 by showing us something 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:05.180 that we can see? 00:21:07.539 --> 00:21:08.720 That's what we have here. 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:10.140 But I think there's more, 00:21:10.740 --> 00:21:13.820 not just that we see something 00:21:13.820 --> 00:21:15.380 of the glory of God 00:21:15.380 --> 00:21:16.320 in the granting of life 00:21:16.320 --> 00:21:16.880 from the death, 00:21:17.660 --> 00:21:18.980 but also the idea 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:19.779 that the glory of God 00:21:19.779 --> 00:21:21.080 is seen in the demonstration 00:21:21.080 --> 00:21:23.799 of this whole resurrection account. 00:21:24.660 --> 00:21:26.100 Jesus taught in John 5, 00:21:26.180 --> 00:21:26.840 as I read earlier, 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:28.620 that a day was coming 00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:29.980 when the graves would be open, 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:31.660 and those who belonged to him 00:21:31.660 --> 00:21:33.039 would be raised 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:35.099 and would be forever with him 00:21:35.099 --> 00:21:35.819 in glory, 00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:37.299 never to die again. 00:21:38.180 --> 00:21:40.400 And those who did not belong to him, 00:21:40.900 --> 00:21:42.660 they also would be raised, 00:21:43.180 --> 00:21:44.839 but raised to endure judgment 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:46.360 forever apart from him. 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:47.920 It's John 5. 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:50.519 Now, this miracle of Lazarus 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:53.380 was a picture of what will happen 00:21:53.380 --> 00:21:54.500 at the end of the age. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:55.779 For example, 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:57.140 the Apostle Paul 00:21:57.140 --> 00:21:57.880 would later write 00:21:57.880 --> 00:21:59.460 1 Thessalonians 4, 00:21:59.460 --> 00:22:01.920 as he described something of that. 00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:04.700 Or 1 Corinthians 15. 00:22:05.860 --> 00:22:07.200 Now, these bodies, 00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:07.559 are you ready? 00:22:07.779 --> 00:22:09.660 These, pinch yourself, okay? 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.440 These bodies, 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.360 these very bodies, 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.220 this flesh, 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:13.220 one day, 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:15.100 if the Lord delays his coming, 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.860 we will die. 00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:18.299 We will be buried, 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:19.360 cremated, something. 00:22:19.600 --> 00:22:21.799 We will be put away, alright? 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:23.779 But, someday, 00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:25.980 these bodies 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:28.360 will be raised. 00:22:28.360 --> 00:22:28.640 Right? 00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:30.759 That's amazing. 00:22:32.440 --> 00:22:33.900 But that's not something 00:22:33.900 --> 00:22:35.539 even new to the New Testament. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:36.779 In fact, 00:22:36.819 --> 00:22:37.960 if you go all the way back 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:39.360 to the time of Job, 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:41.140 who probably lived 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:42.720 during the time of Abraham, 00:22:42.880 --> 00:22:43.079 I mean, 00:22:43.100 --> 00:22:44.200 a long time ago, 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:46.319 and knew very little 00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:47.579 about the whole plan 00:22:47.579 --> 00:22:48.460 and purpose of God 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:49.779 and sending the Lord Jesus 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:50.700 and all of that, 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:51.940 listen to what he says. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:53.799 This is phenomenal. 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:57.000 For I know that my Redeemer lives, 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.880 and at the last, 00:22:59.299 --> 00:23:01.200 he will stand upon the earth. 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:03.920 And after my skin 00:23:03.920 --> 00:23:06.120 has been thus destroyed, 00:23:06.580 --> 00:23:08.860 yet in my flesh, 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:09.759 destroyed, 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:12.019 yet in my flesh, 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:13.420 I shall see God, 00:23:13.680 --> 00:23:15.799 whom I shall see for myself, 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:17.400 and my eyes 00:23:17.400 --> 00:23:18.620 shall behold 00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:19.460 and not another. 00:23:20.780 --> 00:23:21.620 That's amazing. 00:23:22.560 --> 00:23:23.019 Later, 00:23:23.420 --> 00:23:24.340 the Apostle Paul 00:23:24.340 --> 00:23:25.040 would kind of pick up 00:23:25.040 --> 00:23:25.519 that idea 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:26.340 and share it with 00:23:26.340 --> 00:23:27.620 many, 00:23:27.860 --> 00:23:28.300 particularly, 00:23:28.540 --> 00:23:29.320 I'm thinking of the 00:23:29.320 --> 00:23:30.100 Philippian church. 00:23:30.240 --> 00:23:30.880 He said this, 00:23:30.880 --> 00:23:32.400 but our citizenship 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:33.220 is in heaven, 00:23:33.900 --> 00:23:34.600 and from it, 00:23:34.680 --> 00:23:35.700 we await a Savior, 00:23:36.120 --> 00:23:37.240 the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:23:37.420 --> 00:23:39.000 who will transform 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:40.980 our lowly bodies 00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:43.720 to be like his glorious body 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:44.980 by the power 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.980 that enables him 00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:46.960 even to subject 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:48.980 all things to himself. 00:23:49.820 --> 00:23:50.780 Keep in mind 00:23:50.780 --> 00:23:51.620 that the miracle 00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:53.740 of raising Lazarus 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:55.260 was not just an illustration 00:23:55.260 --> 00:23:57.000 of our resurrection, 00:23:57.320 --> 00:23:58.360 but it was also 00:23:58.360 --> 00:24:00.120 a reminder 00:24:00.119 --> 00:24:01.539 and a prelude 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.599 to the resurrection 00:24:02.599 --> 00:24:03.359 of Jesus. 00:24:04.339 --> 00:24:05.739 In just a couple of weeks, 00:24:06.439 --> 00:24:07.519 Jesus would be crucified 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:08.979 and buried, 00:24:09.459 --> 00:24:10.319 but on the third day, 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:11.500 he would rise from the dead, 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:13.599 but not like Lazarus 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:14.919 merely to mortal life, 00:24:15.679 --> 00:24:17.299 but to immortality, 00:24:18.699 --> 00:24:19.259 to glory, 00:24:20.179 --> 00:24:20.779 glorified. 00:24:21.779 --> 00:24:23.399 The miracle glorified, 00:24:23.399 --> 00:24:24.199 this miracle 00:24:24.199 --> 00:24:26.000 in John 11 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:27.139 glorified God 00:24:27.139 --> 00:24:27.799 in anticipation 00:24:27.799 --> 00:24:29.239 of what would soon happen 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:31.059 in regard to Jesus, 00:24:31.380 --> 00:24:32.420 the one who is 00:24:32.420 --> 00:24:33.620 the resurrection 00:24:33.620 --> 00:24:35.079 and the life. 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:35.980 And finally this, 00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:37.339 the glory of God 00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:38.039 is seen 00:24:38.039 --> 00:24:39.859 in the response 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:40.599 of the people. 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.539 Jesus told Martha 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:45.460 in verses 25 and 26 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:46.220 of John 11, 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:48.359 I am the resurrection 00:24:48.359 --> 00:24:49.220 and the life. 00:24:49.559 --> 00:24:50.579 Whoever believes in me, 00:24:50.640 --> 00:24:51.480 though he die, 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:53.160 yet shall he live. 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:54.579 And everyone who lives 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:55.359 and believes in me 00:24:55.359 --> 00:24:56.259 shall never die. 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.279 And then he asked her 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.220 an interesting question. 00:24:58.940 --> 00:24:59.799 Do you believe this? 00:25:02.660 --> 00:25:03.720 And she affirmed 00:25:03.720 --> 00:25:04.299 that she did. 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:05.440 And then in verse 40, 00:25:05.539 --> 00:25:06.000 he says, 00:25:06.099 --> 00:25:07.240 he asked Martha this, 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:09.079 did I not tell you 00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:10.960 that if you believed, 00:25:11.480 --> 00:25:12.420 you would see 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:14.500 the glory of God? 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:17.460 Because she believed in him, 00:25:17.539 --> 00:25:18.680 she was able to see 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.339 his glory. 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.279 Many who had come 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:23.000 to mourn Lazarus' death 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:24.200 ended up believing 00:25:24.200 --> 00:25:25.100 in the Lord Jesus. 00:25:25.660 --> 00:25:26.420 And they came, 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:27.860 they came away 00:25:27.860 --> 00:25:28.779 from all of that. 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:29.360 They came, 00:25:29.360 --> 00:25:30.200 they came weeping, 00:25:30.299 --> 00:25:31.059 they left rejoicing. 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:34.059 They too believed 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:36.640 and they too recognized 00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:37.920 the glory of God. 00:25:38.600 --> 00:25:39.600 And God was glorified 00:25:39.600 --> 00:25:40.120 in that. 00:25:40.779 --> 00:25:42.039 But there were others 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:43.420 who saw the same miracle. 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.980 I'm sure they were 00:25:45.980 --> 00:25:46.819 blown away by that. 00:25:46.880 --> 00:25:47.600 How could you not be? 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:49.660 But they didn't believe 00:25:49.660 --> 00:25:50.539 that Jesus was 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.440 who he said he was. 00:25:52.059 --> 00:25:52.240 In fact, 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:52.880 you know what they did? 00:25:52.880 --> 00:25:56.240 They ran to the religious leaders 00:25:56.240 --> 00:25:57.080 to tell them 00:25:57.080 --> 00:25:58.480 what Jesus had done. 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:01.280 And though their intention 00:26:01.280 --> 00:26:02.820 actually was to undermine 00:26:02.820 --> 00:26:04.300 and destroy Jesus, 00:26:05.080 --> 00:26:06.680 even what they were doing 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:09.180 would ultimately result 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:10.660 in the glory of God, 00:26:11.380 --> 00:26:12.780 though they would never see it. 00:26:13.760 --> 00:26:14.820 Without knowing it, 00:26:15.340 --> 00:26:16.240 they would carry out 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:16.920 the will of God 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:18.500 in bringing Jesus to the cross 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:19.940 that he might accomplish 00:26:19.940 --> 00:26:20.680 his work 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:22.820 for the salvation of many. 00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:25.080 In the words of Jesus, 00:26:25.280 --> 00:26:26.380 did I not tell you 00:26:26.380 --> 00:26:28.020 that if you believed, 00:26:28.660 --> 00:26:29.580 you would see 00:26:29.580 --> 00:26:31.280 the glory of God? 00:26:32.780 --> 00:26:33.800 When John recorded 00:26:33.800 --> 00:26:34.720 the life of Jesus, 00:26:34.900 --> 00:26:35.780 he showed his readers 00:26:35.780 --> 00:26:36.780 Jesus' glory. 00:26:36.980 --> 00:26:38.680 And when we believe in him 00:26:38.680 --> 00:26:39.760 as the Christ, 00:26:40.320 --> 00:26:41.560 the son of the living God, 00:26:41.620 --> 00:26:43.000 and realize that it is Jesus, 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:44.820 and in Jesus, 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:45.560 and in him alone 00:26:45.560 --> 00:26:46.560 that we have eternal life, 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:47.520 we will, 00:26:47.620 --> 00:26:49.020 in the words of the Apostle Paul, 00:26:49.620 --> 00:26:51.640 behold his glory. 00:26:51.640 --> 00:26:53.280 And as we do, 00:26:55.380 --> 00:26:58.620 Paul said this in 2 Corinthians, 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:03.560 he is at work transforming us 00:27:03.560 --> 00:27:04.840 by his glory 00:27:04.840 --> 00:27:08.500 in order that we might be like him. 00:27:10.700 --> 00:27:12.100 This is an account 00:27:12.100 --> 00:27:14.560 about the glory of God. 00:27:15.320 --> 00:27:16.060 In some ways, 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:17.520 Lazarus is a bit player 00:27:17.519 --> 00:27:19.259 in this great text. 00:27:19.980 --> 00:27:21.700 He was the object 00:27:21.700 --> 00:27:23.099 to illustrate 00:27:23.099 --> 00:27:24.539 God's glory. 00:27:26.619 --> 00:27:29.639 When the disciples 00:27:29.639 --> 00:27:30.259 saw things, 00:27:30.339 --> 00:27:31.579 when people saw things, 00:27:32.059 --> 00:27:32.839 I should just say, 00:27:32.940 --> 00:27:34.599 when people saw things 00:27:34.599 --> 00:27:36.420 that Jesus did, 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:38.859 they were amazed 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:39.779 at the miracles 00:27:39.779 --> 00:27:40.559 and so forth, 00:27:40.879 --> 00:27:42.099 but they never saw the glory 00:27:42.099 --> 00:27:43.139 until they trusted him. 00:27:43.140 --> 00:27:45.960 When we trust Jesus, 00:27:46.100 --> 00:27:47.540 we suddenly see his glory. 00:27:47.860 --> 00:27:48.580 We suddenly realize 00:27:48.580 --> 00:27:49.380 all that he is 00:27:49.380 --> 00:27:50.620 and all that he's doing 00:27:50.620 --> 00:27:52.320 and we should be overwhelmed 00:27:52.320 --> 00:27:53.340 by that. 00:27:53.580 --> 00:27:54.560 And so we come together 00:27:54.560 --> 00:27:55.800 on Sunday mornings 00:27:55.800 --> 00:27:56.960 and we worship God 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:58.920 because he is a glorious God 00:27:58.920 --> 00:28:00.759 and we have seen his glory, 00:28:00.880 --> 00:28:01.620 as John said, 00:28:02.120 --> 00:28:03.000 and we worship him. 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:05.680 What a great and glorious God he is. 00:28:06.620 --> 00:28:07.640 It is about him, 00:28:07.720 --> 00:28:08.060 isn't it? 00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:10.919 And so, 00:28:11.700 --> 00:28:14.419 as we close this time together, 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:16.440 may our focus be 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:18.480 on this God of glory 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:20.319 who has given us 00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:22.259 this incredible opportunity 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:24.899 to be in Christ Jesus 00:28:24.899 --> 00:28:26.359 and to one day 00:28:26.359 --> 00:28:27.799 see him 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:29.460 in his glorious state 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:30.980 face to face. 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:32.559 Let's pray. 00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:33.960 Father, 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:37.000 thank you for your word 00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:39.180 and thank you for this text. 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:45.019 How we allow things 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:46.640 so much to cloud 00:28:46.640 --> 00:28:48.859 our attention 00:28:48.859 --> 00:28:51.799 or sometimes hindered 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:53.420 by things that ought not 00:28:53.420 --> 00:28:54.400 to be in our lives. 00:28:56.500 --> 00:28:58.180 I pray that you would help us 00:28:58.180 --> 00:29:00.119 to see more clearly daily 00:29:00.119 --> 00:29:02.440 who you are, 00:29:03.019 --> 00:29:03.960 to see your glory, 00:29:03.960 --> 00:29:05.480 and to be 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:07.579 overwhelmed by it 00:29:07.579 --> 00:29:09.480 and may you continue 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:10.840 to transform us 00:29:10.840 --> 00:29:12.220 by your glory. 00:29:13.380 --> 00:29:14.779 Be with each one here. 00:29:14.940 --> 00:29:15.799 Grant your mercies 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:16.920 and your grace today 00:29:16.920 --> 00:29:18.559 and may there be 00:29:18.559 --> 00:29:19.840 frequent times 00:29:19.840 --> 00:29:21.220 of considering you, 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:22.500 even today, 00:29:23.340 --> 00:29:24.259 as a glorious 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:25.799 Savior and Lord, 00:29:26.500 --> 00:29:27.600 as a glorious God 00:29:27.600 --> 00:29:28.240 and King, 00:29:29.180 --> 00:29:30.360 as a glorious one 00:29:30.359 --> 00:29:31.139 who will one day 00:29:31.139 --> 00:29:31.759 bring us 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:33.079 into your very 00:29:33.079 --> 00:29:35.240 glorious presence. 00:29:36.479 --> 00:29:37.459 In the name of 00:29:37.459 --> 00:29:38.299 the Lord Jesus, 00:29:38.899 --> 00:29:39.439 we pray. 00:29:39.959 --> 00:29:40.279 Amen. 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:40.359 Amen.