Hope in Christ’s power

In a world where the specter of death looms large, we often find ourselves grappling with fear and uncertainty. How comforting it is to know that, even in the face of mortality, there exists a profound hope in Christ’s power. This message was the heart of a recent sermon at Knox Church, where the speaker beautifully unpacked the familiar yet transformative story of Lazarus in John 11:1-54.

As the congregation read the passage, the speaker set the tone, reminding everyone that this narrative is not merely a tale of resurrection, but a powerful sign that points us to the very essence of who Jesus is. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live’” (John 11:25, KJV). In these words, we see Jesus revealing His divine identity, not merely offering hope, but embodying hope itself.

The sermon drew attention to three key perspectives that the passage invites us to consider. First, we see Jesus in His glory. He is portrayed as the divine authority who has power over life and death. The speaker noted that the miracles, or “signs,” in the Gospel of John are intended to lead us to a deeper belief in Christ as the Messiah. “The signs are there to point to Jesus as the Christ, as the Messiah, as the Savior,” the speaker declared.

Secondly, we witness Jesus in His compassionate humanity. When Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, confront Jesus with their grief, His response reveals deep empathy. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35, KJV)—a simple statement, yet profound in its implications. The speaker illustrated how, unlike other philosophical or religious systems, Christianity holds that God is not indifferent to our suffering. Jesus enters fully into our despair, reflecting His deep love for humanity.

Furthermore, the sermon highlighted an overlooked aspect of this narrative: Jesus’ righteous anger towards death. The speaker emphasized that when Jesus approached Lazarus’ tomb, He was not just grieving; He was enraged by death—the ultimate enemy of humanity. This gives us a glimpse into the heart of Christ, who confronts the very reality of death on our behalf. As noted in 1 Corinthians 15:26 (KJV), “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

As the sermon drew to a close, a call to action resonated. The speaker graciously invited us to reflect on the areas in our lives where we need Jesus to be our resurrection and life. “Take a couple of moments,” the speaker said, encouraging prayerful confession and thanksgiving for the truth that Jesus offers both hope and compassion.

In our daily lives, we are encouraged to hold onto this powerful truth in times of uncertainty or loss. Through prayer, we can seek to cultivate a deeper trust in Christ’s promises, finding strength in His presence.

If you are searching for fellowship, community, or a place to explore these profound truths further, we warmly invite you to visit Knox Evangelical Church in Old Strathcona, just north of Whyte Avenue in Edmonton. Stay connected through our Knox Event Calendar for up-to-date news on worship services and community gatherings. Together, we can journey in faith, supporting one another as we lean into Christ, our hope and our life.