Teaching/Preaching John 11 - Lazarus' Resurrection

The story of Lazarus' resurrection is also a great illustration of God's elective purpose of grace.

Jesus knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead because had purposed to do it. He purposely delayed his walk to Bethany until there was no doubt that Lazarus was dead and his spirit had departed. He had set in motion all the elements that would culminate in the mind-boggling miracle. Lazarus was dead, powerless to raise himself, powerless to choose be alive. If Lazarus is to come out of that tomb, it will be solely because of God's grace and power.

Further, Jesus chose only Lazarus to be the object of his grace; but he did not choose to empty all the tombs. We don't know why, except that it pleased him to do it that way.

Consider the response. Some of the Jews followed Jesus. But the religious leaders, upon hearing about it, only intensified their plans to kill Jesus.

I believe that'll preach.

 

Yes, that will preach but don't over look versus 49 - 52. Particularly verse 52. This is Caiaphas, the High priest that year prophesying and says, "and not for that nation only, but that he should also gather together in one the children of GOD ..."

Isn't that interesting, the hich priest says this man named Jesus will gather together in one the children of GOD. Many say the jews didn't believe who Jesus was and blasphemy was his crime but this verse cast some doubt to that statement. Now go back to verse 48 and you will see the real reason they killed Jesus.

 

Here's what you said from page 1... "Can we draw a parallell, then with the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration? That is, the HS quickens, makes alive, regenerates that soul dead in trespasses and sin, so that person may freely respond to the call of Christ."

I don't believe I misrepresented anything. On one hand you say a dead person can respond to Christ...and then you state earlier the Holy Spirit regenerates...so that man can respond to Christ. This is the reformed view, no? If it is, it's false, and puts the Holy Spirit above Christ. Man (any man, regenerated or not) can respond to Christ. There is power in the Word not needing anything but to hear it!