EVEN IN DEATH GOD IS GLORIFIED

 

John 11:1-44

My title is a strange thing to say considering that death is the greatest enemy in this life; but its also the greatest affront to a holy God. God never fashioned our bodies to see death, nor did He intend for our bodies to rot in a grave. But something happened that changed all that. The Apostle Paul wrote “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” Rom 5:12. We, meaning everyone, have inherited the penalty of Adam’s rebellion which is death. “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Gen 2:15-17

 

This would mean Adam/you, me, would now face physical death also spiritual death and eternal separation from the intimate relationship with God, our Creator. The one thing most people fear around the globe, is the one thing everyone must face whether you believe in Christ, or not. Tragically though, there is a 100 percent chance that you’re going to die; with the exception of a few who never faced death, Enoch and Elijah.

 

Not to disrupt your worship this morning or to ruin your Thanksgiving, but here are some simple facts about the body after it dies………. After the heart stops beating, the body immediately starts turning cold. This phase is known as algor mortis, or the death chill. Each hour, the body temperature falls about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches room temperature. At the same time, without circulation to keep it moving through the body, blood starts to pool and settle. Rigor mortis, or a stiffening of the body, sets in about two to six hours after death. While the body as a whole may be dead, little things within the body are still alive. Skin cells, for example, can be viably harvested for up to 24 hours after death. But some things that are still alive lead to the breakdown, or decomposition, of the body -- we're talking about little organisms that live in the intestines. A few days after death, these bacteria and enzymes start the process of breaking down their host. The pancreas is full of so many bacteria that it essentially digests itself. As these organisms work their way to other organs, the body becomes discolored, first turning green, then purple, then black. If you can't see the change, you'll smell it soon enough, because the bacteria create an awful-smelling gas.

 

Yes, death is a disgusting, terrible, tragic and a sad thing to happen to a human being…… But so is the sin of mankind, in the eyes of a holy God, who never intended Adam to see death if he had obeyed in the garden. But we know he failed in this department, and because of sin, we are all doomed to this fate, in this life.

 

Sin has destroyed the father and son relationship and

because of that we all will face death.

 

But be of good cheer! Death must happen in order for us to receive the promise in Christ, and the glory of God to be revealed in the end.

 

Though this is a sad story in John’s gospel, there is a living hope

and promise to claim in this passage.

 

The raising of Lazarus from the dead is an unbelievable and physical demonstration of God’s power and plan to put death to death in redemption. But mostly to display the glory of God; yes, the glory of God’s power to raise the dead which removes the sting and pain of death. This miracle was performed to remind people of all ages, even us here today, that those who trust in God will have new life eternally. It teaches us that death is not the end, but the beginning of life with God, the Bible explains this clearly when Paul wrote, “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY."  "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? O HADES, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor 15:51-57

 

This passage should encourage your doubting heart to remember and to embrace this life as a means to enter the better for the glory of God. Remember what Jesus said to Peter when He reconciled him back into ministry after breakfast. “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God. And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” John 21:18-19. Your death believer, brings glory to God because you must past though this life in order to live with Him through your death, which is God’s ordained plan for you. Which has a glorious ending as Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Phil 1:21-23. The emphasis on this passage is based on the glory of God and to strengthen our faith as we prepare to face our last enemy which is death for the glory of God.

 

WE CAN TRUST THAT THE GLORY OF GOD WILL BE REVEALED NO MATTER HOW MUCH SIN HAS TAINTED MY LIFE. (v1-v4)

 

Jesus summarizes this whole chapter in the opening of these verse after finding out Lazuras has passed. “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.” (v4) Don’t miss the importance of this chapter by being wrapped up focusing on the human element of the sadness in the sisters over their brother’s death. I am not saying we don’t weep with those who weep, what I am saying is, “We don’t allow death to disrupt our view vertically as we are faced with death and suffering.” Because when that happens it leaves a person helpless and hopeless and that is not the intent of the gospel of Jesus Christ as Paul wrote, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 

1 Thess 4:13-18

The most important theme throughout the Scriptures

and the text that is before is the glory of God.

 

It’s the underlining reason for all of God’s work from the creation of the world, to the redemptive work for the believer, and the final judgement of the unconverted.

 

This glory is revealed in His creation. Isaiah 6:3

This glory is also seen redemption.  Rom 9:23

This glory is who God is to the people. Psalm 3:3

This glory is who Christ is to the people. Luke 2:32

This glory is the gospel that exceeds that of the Law. 2 Cor 3:9-10

This glory is spiritually given by God, Himself. John 17:22

This glory is eternal which accompanies salvation by Christ. 2 Tim 2:10

This glory is the believer inheritance. Col 3:4

This glory should not be sought out from man. 1 Thess 2:6

This glory ends in destruction for the unconverted man and woman. Isaiah 5:14

 

Everything is for the glory of God

 

G. Campbell Morgan wrote, “The deepest passion of the heart of Jesus was not the saving of men, but the glory of God; and then the saving of men, because that is for the glory of God.”

Psalm 19:1 David said “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.”

 

Paul wrote, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” Rom 1:20

 

All of creation can see the glory of God in His creation; and everyone has been given a conscience to know there is a God. The emphasis, even in death is the promise given in the opening remarks by Jesus “this sickness is not to end in death.” (v4) Jesus is saying, “This problem, this misfortune and this sickness will not end in a meaningless struggle.” It will not end in death. It will end in glorifying God.” We can endure any difficult circumstances; under very difficult situations, we do not lose hope, but live in victory. We need to consider that our present sufferings are not going to end in death, but end in God’s glory. In other words, death would not be the ultimate tragedy here! Something unusual was going to happen, and it would bring glory to Christ. Just like the Blind Man who was given sight, Lazurus’ death was for the benefit of those close to the family and Jesus Taking a time of grief, and sorrow, so that the glory of God could be revealed to lost sinners who desperately needed a Saviour. This situation was yet another example of the almighty power of God on display for everyone to believe in Jesus Christ. Why? The most gracious and complete manifestation of God’s glory came in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember; though we will die in this age there is a greater promise that has been given to those who truly believe. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 6:23. We see the affirmation of this truth in (v40) where the sovereign act of Christ, designed to glorify Himself and the Father by putting His resurrection power on display.

 

WE CAN TRUST THAT OUR FAITH IN CHRIST IS NOT INSIGNIFICANT. (v5-v16)

 

No doubt the disciples were perplexed about what was going on, but our Lord, needed to build on strengthening His disciples for future things. The disciples were not concerned with Lazurus so much, but were more concerned where they had to travel through in order to get to the family. (v8) And in their eyes what’s the rush, because Jesus said that Lazurus was not going to die, he has only fallen asleep. (V4) So, Jesus responds with a question. “Are there not twelve hours in the day?”

 

What is Jesus saying here?

 

The Jews divided the daylight period into twelve hours, which unlike modern hours varied in length at different seasons of year. The twelve hours symbolizes the duration of the Lord’s earthly ministry as fixed by the Father. This means that no one can lengthen or shorten a day, so the disciples concern could not extend the time allotted to Jesus, nor could the Jews who were hostile shorten it. In other words, nothing humanly possible would be able to change the course of what Jesus would do, because it’s the Father who has ordained it. The one “walks in the day” need not fear that he might stumble, because Jesus was perfectly safe for the prescribed time in His life. This is reference to what we have already previously seen in John 7:30; 8:20. “His hour has not yet come.” The night signifying the end of His earthly ministry as we will see later, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.” John 12:35. This would only come at the precise time set by God’s eternal plans, and only then would the Lord stumble in death. God’s providence and ordain steps of the Son, are all for the glory of God, even in the death of the Son of God. (The darkest day in history)

 

So, Jesus had nothing to fear, therefore, in Judea from the Jews, until it was the will of God that He should die, as Peter said, “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” Acts 2:23. Everything Jesus did was preparing His disciples for future things; this event was for them to see the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ. And that God’s timing, which is always perfect of every situation, including the one found in the raising of Lazurus. But the disciples were still confused, that is evident when the disciples said, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” (v12) Let’s not be too hasty to travel though an area where they want to kill you, if he only needs to wake up from his illness. But Jesus just comes out and plainly says, “Lazurus is dead” but Jesus goes on to say, “and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe…” (v14-v15) It seems a bit strange that gladness would be used in response to someone’s death, but Jesus’ gladness is towards His disciples, not Mary and Martha. Yet again, they will be witnessing the manifest power of God which will strengthen their faith in Him. Its in this way God would bring good out of the agony of Lazurus’ death and the glory of God revealed to strengthen the disciples and the believer’s faith.

 

If Jesus loved Lazarus so much why did

He permits him to get sick?

 

I believe this is the aching question for many people today, when someone they love has passed on. Why would you allow this to happen, especially someone you love Lord? The real question we should be asking is…. why not, why not them or me? I am a sinner who originally rebelled against a holy God, and I deserve physical and spiritual separation from a holy God according to Genesis chapter two for eternity. God owes us nothing, but yet in the kindness of God, He gives us eternal life through His Son, who willing went to the cross to bear our punishment.

R C Sproul said this during a Q/A session at the 2014 Ligonier Conference when asked, “Since God is slow to anger and patient; then why when man first sinned was His wrath and Punishment so severe and long lasting? “This creature from the dirt, defied the Everlasting holy God; after that God had said the day that you shall eat of it you shall surely die. And instead of dying Thanatos, that day, he lived another day and was clothed in his nakedness by pure grace; and had the consequences of a curse applied for quite some time, but the worst curse would come upon the one who seduced him whose head would be crushed by the seed of the woman. And the punishment was too severe? What's wrong with you people! I'm serious, I mean this this is what's wrong with the Christian church today, we don't know who God is, and we don't know who we are. The question is why wasn't it infinitely more severe, if we have any understanding of our sin, and any understanding of who God is, that's the question isn't it.”

 

Its in this chapter we see the grace and kindness of God extended towards sinners, to display God’s glory for people to see God’s infinite patience with you and me. We know Jesus knew the family well, and loved them greatly, it would seem they were also disciples of Jesus who supported His ministry. We see this in the next chapter where Mary is noted in history for anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive oil and wiping them with her hair in John gospel.  (But this was already know to them in the synoptic gospels. Matt 26:6; Mark 14:3-9) This is why its not surprising that the sisters summoned Jesus when their brother died. They had seen others healed, and hoped that Jesus would do the same for their brother.

But the aching question is why did Jesus

delay on going to Lazarus, if He loved them so?

 

It’s been four days when Jesus will arrive, but there is a reason for this. Among the rabbinic teachings in Jesus’ day was the idea that when a person died, the person’s spirit hovered over the body for three days, and if, somehow, the body was resuscitated, the spirit returned to it. But according to rabbinic tradition, the spirit departed after three days and the body was beyond all hope of resuscitation at that point. Four days meant that Lazurus was good and dead, so this would have made it impossible for the Jewish authorities to say “Lazurus spirit had been lingering and his body had merely been resuscitated.” This would make the miracle seem to be a fake, and not of God; but by going past their traditional date of the deceased, this would only point to being a miracle. Through the resurrection of Lazurus, Jesus and the Father would receive glory and the disciple’s faith would be strengthened. This would bring about the final straw that prompted the hostile Jewish leaders to bring about Jesus’ execution.

 

But, why didn’t He just heal from a distance, as He

did the nobleman’s son?

 

These are honest questions to ask, because Jesus was God, wasn’t He? God is capable of doing just that, God id all-powerful and He is not limited to a location and availability. This was a time of testing for the disciples Mostly and for those who believed. A test to walking by faith, despite the circumstances, to see God do His might work even if the results were not what we wanted, or were expecting. See, every situation in our lives are moments to either build on our faith, or to dimmish our faith. For example, we see Thomas here filling his own mind with pessimism, but also faithfulness to die with Christ Jesus. (v16) We usually call Thomas “The Doubting Thomas” but here his words reflect someone who is willing to follow Jesus to His death. Did he have right to fear? Well, the Jewish leaders did want to kill Jesus, and anyone who followed after Him. But again, like many of us, we to, are no different than Thomas, especially when we are faced with a situation whether it’s easy or difficult. That’s why our lives are filled with refining moments, and learning, to walk by faith; as God prepares us for glory in Heaven with Him. 

 

Warren Weirsbe said this in his commentary, “It is not important that we Christians are comfortable, but it is important that we glorify God in all that we do.” 

Noah, didn’t know how God would use this tragic event to start over again but He trusted none the less. Joseph, didn’t know how God would use his life through such affliction but He trusted none the less. Job, didn’t know the outcome of his life or his family, but he trusted in God none the less. You and I didn’t know how a holy God could love us despite our sin, and yet, redeemed us and adopted us into His family.

 

God does this to strengthen us to trust Him nonetheless, because of who Jesus is, and what He means to each and every one of us through His redeeming grace. We need to realized that God is giving us a sight of His glory even in death. This happens the most when we are sitting in the stillness of the night, in our sufferings, bent over our Bibles, tears possibly streaming down our faces, as we seek Him for direction comfort and wisdom. Its even in these moments we get this glimpse of God’s glory, which is far better than a pain-free life. Though it will be 4 days for Martha, and Mary, to realize this, its in this chapter that God reveals a foretaste of heaven, where our joy in God, overshadows everything else. Just as the psalmist questioned God’s fairness until he entered the temple. ”But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.” 

Psalm 73:16–17

He finds the answer to his disappointment further down in his Psalm. “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:23-28

 

Being with God, having His guidance, knowing He

will one day receive you and me is all we need.

 

The most loving thing that God can do is to increase our faith in Him, and to show us His glory, to help us find our satisfaction in Him.

 

Truly, if we believe, we will

see the glory of God.

 

From this story, we will see that God’s love does not shield us from suffering and God’s timing to save a sinner is all for the glory of God. As one writer personally said in their own sufferings, “On the surface, this story is shocking. It doesn’t fit with our definition of love. To us, love rescues and runs. Love doesn’t wait. Love does everything possible to keep the beloved from pain. Yet in understanding how Jesus loved this family, I have seen the depth of His love for me in my own suffering.” That even in death or possible death, this is for the glory of God.