Hope When God Delays | John 11:1-46
Sermon Summary
In John 11:1-46, Jesus hears that His friend Lazarus is sick, but He decides to wait two days before going to him. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Although it may seem that Jesus was too late, He knew the outcome from the beginning and delayed so that He might reveal the glory of God and strengthen the faith of His followers.
Jesus used Lazarus’ death and resurrection to reveal His glory, love, and compassion. Every trial in our life is meant to draw us closer to Jesus and show us more of His grace and power.
One Big Idea
Though it may appear that God delays in acting, He is accomplishing something in us through the waiting.
Key Scriptures:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
John 11:4 (NASB): “But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not meant for death, but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”
John 11:25-26 (NASB): “ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?””
Hebrews 4:15 (NASB): “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.”
Psalm 27:13 (NASB): “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.
Truths to focus on this week:
Know why God delays in crisis: When God seems to delay in life’s circumstances, it’s for the purpose of revealing His glory and strengthening our faith. In the waiting, we are commanded to bring our concerns and requests to God in prayer because He hears us, cares for us, and loves us.
Jesus desires to calm our fears: At times, it’s easy to give in to life’s fears and anxieties. Yet, Jesus reminds us that He has complete control over every circumstance, including death. He invites us to trust Him more fully with our lives.
Jesus is after our intimacy: Our greatest need is to know Jesus personally. He doesn’t just want us to know things about Him intellectually but experientially. Intimacy with Jesus leads to joy, comfort, hope, and peace during trials.
Jesus is compassionate: As we spend time at the feet of Jesus during times of crisis, we begin to understand His character more. Jesus is able to sympathize with our own pain and weaknesses because He experienced it Himself.
Trials have an ultimate goal: The resurrection of Lazarus reminds us that trials are meant to show us more of Jesus’ love, power, and grace. We are to remind one another that God sets up every circumstance in our lives to know Him more.
Discussion Questions
In what areas of your life are you most tempted to give in to fear or anxiety? What would it look like to trust Jesus with those situations in a practical way?
Do you find it easier to believe that Jesus can do something rather than that He wants to? Are there areas in your life where you have begun to lose hope that Jesus will move?
God uses every trial to draw us nearer to Him. Where in your life do you find it hardest to trust God’s leadership right now? Share this area with someone you trust and ask them to pray for you this week.