The Hope You Need (John 11)
This sermon explores the profound nature of hope, distinguishing it from mere wishful thinking. Drawing from the resurrection of Lazarus, it reveals Jesus as the source of a confident expectation that reorients our perspective on life and pain.
This sermon defines true hope as a confident expectation anchored in Jesus' resurrection power. It reveals God as one who is able, deeply caring, and faithful to fulfill all His promises, bringing new life to dead situations.
Overview
The sermon celebrates Jesus' resurrection as the "greatest moment in human history" and introduces the concept of hope. It distinguishes this hope from mere wishful thinking, defining it instead as "a confident expectation anchored in the truth," which is found in Jesus' life, teachings, death, burial, and resurrection, extending into eternity.
The core message unfolds through the story of Lazarus in John chapter 11, where Jesus raises his friend from the dead after four days. This narrative is presented as the last of seven miracles highlighted by John, demonstrating Jesus' ultimate power over death and His declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life."
From this story, the sermon highlights three profound truths about God: He is a God who *can* (possessing immense power to heal, save, and restore, even when circumstances seem to contradict belief); He is a God who *cares* (demonstrated by Jesus weeping with Mary and entering into her grief); and He is a God who *will* (faithfully accomplish all His promises, making dead things alive again).
The sermon concludes with an invitation to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus, represented by baptism. It encourages believers to allow the church family to help them "unravel grave clothes"—the entanglements of past sins and struggles—and walk in the freedom of their new life with God.
Key points
- The sermon celebrates Jesus' resurrection and declares hope is found in Him.
- True hope is defined as "a confident expectation anchored in the truth," rooted in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
- The story of Lazarus' resurrection in John 11 demonstrates Jesus' power as "the resurrection and the life."
- God is revealed as one who *can* (is able), one who *cares* (shows compassion and grieves with us), and one who *will* (fulfills all His promises).
- Listeners are encouraged to choose to believe in God's ability and care, even when circumstances are painful.
- The sermon invites people to receive eternal life through faith in Jesus and to engage with the church to live in freedom from past burdens.
- Baptism is presented as a public declaration of one's decision to follow Jesus and embrace new life.
In Rick Warren's words
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though they die.”
Outline
- I. Introduction: Celebrating the Resurrection and the Hope You Need
- A. Hope: A Confident Expectation Anchored in Truth (Hebrews 6:19)
- II. The Story of Lazarus: Jesus Reveals His Power (John 11)
- A. Martha's Lament: "If you had been here, my brother would not have died."
- B. Jesus Declares: "I am the resurrection and the life."
- C. Mary's Grief: Jesus Weeps (John 11:35)
- D. Jesus Calls Lazarus Forth From the Grave
- III. Three Truths About God That Give Hope
- A. He is the God Who Can
- 1. Choosing to Believe in the Dark What Was True in the Light
- 2. God Can Heal, Save, Restore, and Reconcile
- B. He is the God Who Cares
- 1. The Ministry of Tears: Jesus Enters Into Our Pain
- 2. The Lord is Close to the Brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)
- C. He is the God Who Will
- 1. Accomplishing All His Good Promises
- 2. Calling Dead Things to Life Again
- IV. Responding to the Gift of Eternal Life
- A. Baptism: A Representation of Death to New Life in Jesus (Romans 6:4)
- B. Unraveling Grave Clothes: Living in Freedom with the Church
- C. Eternal Life: To Know God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3, John 1:12)
- D. The Invitation to Believe: "Do you believe this?"
Scripture references
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Insights
True hope rests in something beyond our shifting circumstances.
God's presence brings light into moments of deep, dark grief.
Faith often means choosing to believe in the dark what felt true in the light.
Questions & answers
What is the sermon's definition of hope?
The sermon defines hope as "a confident expectation anchored in the truth." It is presented as distinct from wishful thinking, being rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Why did Jesus wait to go to Lazarus when he was sick?
The sermon suggests Jesus waited four days to illustrate God's glory and reveal that He is the resurrection and the life, demonstrating His ultimate power over death.
What are the three aspects of God highlighted in the sermon?
The sermon emphasizes that God is a God who *can* (is able), a God who *cares* (shows compassion and grieves with us), and a God who *will* (fulfills all His promises).
How does the sermon apply the story of Lazarus' 'grave clothes' to modern life?
Lazarus coming out in grave clothes symbolizes the habits, guilt, shame, and fear that can still entangle a person even after receiving new life in Jesus. The church is called to help unravel these for freedom.
What is the primary invitation offered at the end of the sermon?
The sermon invites listeners to receive the gift of eternal life by believing in Jesus, entrusting their lives to Him, and beginning a relationship with the living God.
What does Psalm 34:18 mean in the context of this sermon?
Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit," is used to affirm that God cares deeply and draws near to us in our pain, rather than pushing us away.
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