“Turning a Funeral into a Party”
John 11
Sermon Series: “Getting Acquainted With Jesus”
Introduction: Jesus had a knack for breaking up funerals. It seemed to be part of His ministry. He always seemed to turn them into parties. For example, in John 11, we see that Lazarus was sick, died, put in a tomb, was stinking after four days, and people were weeping and mourning. Then, at the beginning of John 12, Lazarus is at a dinner party with Jesus as the guest of honor. Jesus turned the funeral of Lazarus into a party by raising him from the dead. However, the point of this message is not a history lesson about that event but looking at how it applies to us today.
Main Theme: Jesus wants to turn our funerals into parties.
I have two biblical goals for this message:
-For us to be released from the fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 says, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” At this moment, some of you should be afraid of death because you would go to hell if you died right now. But, before you leave today, you can have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ and be released from the fear. Also, there are Christians who are afraid of death even though they know they are saved, and God wants to release you from that today.
-For us to be able to grieve with hope and comfort for those whom we have lost. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 says, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.”
With those goals in mind, let’s look at what this passage teaches us about death and life.
1. Death is an awful reality.
A. It is separation (physical, spiritual, between people, and eternal).
B. It comes from the curse of the fall (Genesis 3:3).
C. It is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26).
D. It is part of Satan’s character (John 10:10).
E. It is inevitable and timed for everyone (Hebrews 9:27, Psalm 139:16).
F. It produces sorrow (John 11:19).
2. Jesus is a wonderful life-giver (v.24-27).
A. Jesus is God.
B. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
C. Jesus is our Savior.
3. Each of us can have the gift of eternal life.
A. Jesus gives us life that starts right now and lasts forever. This life is spiritual and eternal.
B. The resurrection of Christ guarantees our resurrection (John 14:19, 1 Corinthians 15).
C. We have the hope of heaven through Jesus (Psalm 16:11, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Revelation 22:1-5).
4. We receive eternal life by trusting Jesus. Jesus offers the gift of eternal life, but we have to receive Him in order to have this gift. Heaven throws a party (Luke 15) when someone receives Christ, but if we reject Him, we are stuck with only a funeral. Jesus said, “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Martha responded by saying, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” Do you believe?
Conclusion: Everything about death is awful. However, there is a real sense in which Jesus can turn our funeral into a party because He will take us to heaven and give us a glorified and resurrected body. Plus, He gives us hope in facing the death of our loved ones.
