If you believe you will see the glory of God

John 11:1 ~ 44

Have you ever wondered what the glory of God really is like?  We often think of a very bright light such as the shepherds saw at the time of Jesus birth or the pillar of fire and smoke that guided and protected the people of Israel when they left Egypt.  The glory of God is the manifestation of the person of God in a means visible and understandable by us.  Jesus is the perfect revelation of God’s glory.

1. Lazarus was very sick

    a. Mary & Martha send to Jesus to come & heal Lazarus

    b. they believe Jesus is able & willing

2. Jesus views death different than we do/ sleep not death

    a. takes His time in going, vs. 15 glad not there

    b. didn’t want to heal His friend let him die

3. Words alone do not declare God’s glory

    a. John 13:3 Jesus knew all power His

    b. referred to signs, wonders & miracles as evidence

4. Lazarus dead 4 days & decaying

    a. miracles of modern medicine

    b. physically impossible to help Lazarus now

5. Martha’s statement of faith vs. 21 & 22

    a. vs. 25 I am the resurrection & life

    b. vs. 27 key is I believe/ someone w/faith

6. Martha went after Mary

    a. Martha has an expectation now its Mary’s turn

    b. vs. 32 Mary expresses her faith yet so hurt

    c. Hebrews 4:15 Jesus understands her pain

    d. vs. 37 death inevitable Hebrews 9:27

7. Take away the stone

    a. Martha expresses her doubts

    b. vs. 40 Jesus assurance/ Martha’s faith sure

8. If you are going to see the glory of God you must believe

    a. sometimes you will feel out on a limb

    b. do you believe or is it a religious act

9. vs. 41 & 42 Jesus prayer

    a. Hebrews 4:16 approach throne in confidence

    b. Lazarus, come out!

What if Martha & Mary had not believed?  What if they would not have the stone rolled away.  If we are to witness the glory of God it will be because we believe. God wants to reveal His glory to you.  He wants you to know who He is.  To believe is to see the manifestation of the glory of God. To doubt is to limit God in your life.