LAZARUS, COME FORTH

TOPIC: LAZARUS, COME FORTH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 11:43
“And when He had thus spoken, He cried with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth.'"

Supporting Texts:
John 11:1-44
Romans 4:17
Ezekiel 37:1-10
Isaiah 26:19
John 5:25-29

INTRODUCTION:
The story of Lazarus is one of the most powerful demonstrations of Jesus' authority over death and the grave. After being dead for four days, Lazarus was called back to life by the command of Jesus, showing that no situation is beyond God’s power to resurrect. This sermon explores the significance of this miracle and what it means for us today. Just as Jesus called Lazarus to come forth, He is calling us to rise out of dead situations, hopelessness, and despair.

1. THE POWER OF JESUS OVER DEATH

Death is the ultimate human enemy, but Jesus demonstrated His power over death by raising Lazarus from the grave.

a) Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life:
Before raising Lazarus, Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). He holds the keys to life and death.

b) Death Has No Power Over Christ:
Jesus’ authority extends even beyond the grave. He has the power to call the dead to life (John 5:28-29).

c) The Word of Jesus Gives Life:
When Jesus spoke, Lazarus came forth. His word carries life and has the power to reverse death (John 11:43-44).

d) Victory Over the Grave:
Jesus’ command to Lazarus foreshadows His own victory over death through His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

e) Jesus Calls Us Out of Spiritual Death:
Just as Lazarus was called out of physical death, Jesus calls us to rise out of spiritual death and enter into eternal life (Ephesians 2:1-5).

Biblical Example:
The valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 is another powerful image of God’s ability to bring life to what seems dead. When God commanded, the bones came together, and life was restored.

2. FAITH IN IMPOSSIBLE CIRCUMSTANCES

The raising of Lazarus teaches us about faith in God, even when situations seem hopeless.

a) Trusting God’s Timing:
Mary and Martha expected Jesus to come earlier, but He delayed His visit to demonstrate God’s glory. God’s timing is always perfect, even when it seems late to us (John 11:6-7).

b) Faith in the Midst of Doubt:
Martha expressed doubt when she said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Yet, Jesus called for faith even in the face of death.

c) Believing in the Unseen:
Jesus asked Martha, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). Faith involves trusting God’s word before seeing the outcome.

d) Overcoming Fear of the Impossible:
The fear of opening the tomb of Lazarus was strong due to the stench of death, but Jesus called them to act in faith despite the natural impossibility (John 11:39).

e) Faith Unlocks God’s Power:
When the stone was rolled away, it symbolized faith in action. Faith is the key that unlocks God’s power in impossible situations (Hebrews 11:6).

Biblical Example:
Abraham believed God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations, even though he and Sarah were beyond childbearing years. His faith in the impossible resulted in the birth of Isaac (Romans 4:18-21).

3. JESUS' LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR HUMAN SUFFERING

The story of Lazarus also shows us Jesus’ deep love and compassion for those in grief.

a) Jesus Was Deeply Moved:
When Jesus saw the mourning of Mary and the others, He was deeply moved in His spirit (John 11:33).

b) Jesus Wept:
In the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), we see His empathy for human pain and suffering. He is not distant but shares in our sorrows.

c) God Is Near to the Brokenhearted:
Jesus’ tears show us that God is close to us in our suffering. He feels our pain and comforts us in our trials (Psalm 34:18).

d) His Compassion Moves Him to Act:
Jesus’ love for Lazarus and his family moved Him to perform the miracle. His compassion leads to action in our lives as well (Matthew 9:36).

e) The Love of God Conquers All:
The love of God is stronger than death, and through Christ, we experience the fullness of this love that brings life and restoration (Romans 8:38-39).

Biblical Example:
Jesus showed similar compassion for the widow of Nain when He raised her only son from the dead, saying, “Do not weep” (Luke 7:11-15).

4. OBEDIENCE PRECEDES MIRACLES

Obedience is key to experiencing the miraculous power of God.

a) Jesus’ Command to Remove the Stone:
Before the miracle, Jesus commanded the people to remove the stone from the tomb. Obedience to God’s word is necessary to witness His power (John 11:39).

b) Act on God’s Word Despite Doubt:
Even though Martha doubted the practicality of removing the stone, obedience to Jesus’ command opened the way for the miracle (John 11:40-41).

c) God Requires Our Participation:
Though Jesus could have moved the stone Himself, He required those present to participate. Our faith and obedience often precede the release of God’s power (James 2:17).

d) God’s Word Is the Key to Breakthrough:
Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth, and Lazarus obeyed, breaking the chains of death. God's word brings freedom and life (Psalm 107:20).

e) Obedience Brings God’s Glory:
When we act in obedience, we experience the glory of God in our lives. Miracles often follow the step of faith (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

Biblical Example:
The widow of Zarephath obeyed Elijah's instruction to make him a meal from her last bit of flour and oil. Her obedience led to a miraculous supply during the famine (1 Kings 17:12-16).

5. REMOVING GRAVE CLOTHES: LIVING IN FREEDOM

When Lazarus came out of the grave, he was still bound in grave clothes, but Jesus commanded them to "Loose him, and let him go."

a) Grave Clothes Represent Bondage:
Even after being brought back to life, Lazarus was still bound in grave clothes. These represent the things that hold us back from living in full freedom (John 11:44).

b) Jesus Brings Life, and Freedom:
Jesus not only calls us to life but also to liberty. His work in our lives is complete when we are set free from the bondage of sin (Galatians 5:1).

c) The Church’s Role in Helping Others:
Jesus commanded others to help Lazarus remove the grave clothes. As believers, we are called to help others walk in their freedom (Galatians 6:1-2).

d) Stepping Into New Life:
Lazarus’ removal of the grave clothes signified stepping into a new life. Similarly, we must lay aside the old ways and walk in the newness of life in Christ (Romans 6:4).

e) Full Restoration Comes Through Jesus:
Lazarus’ restoration was complete when the grave clothes were removed, symbolising the total transformation that Christ brings (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Biblical Example:
When Peter was released from prison, the angel told him to “gird yourself and tie on your sandals,” symbolising his freedom and a new beginning (Acts 12:7-8).

LAZARUS, COME FORTH:
The story of Lazarus reminds us that no situation is too dead for God to revive. Jesus has the power to bring life to any circumstance, no matter how hopeless it may seem. He calls us to believe in His word, trust in His timing, and walk in obedience so that we can experience His resurrection power in every area of our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, I thank You for the resurrection power of Jesus that is at work in my life.

2. Lord, speak life to every dead situation in my life and let Your power bring restoration.

3. Father, give me the faith to trust Your word, even when my situation seems impossible.

4. Lord, remove every grave cloth that keeps me bound, and help me to walk in freedom.

5. Father, I declare that every delay in my life will lead to Your greater glory.

6. Lord, help me to obey Your word and take steps of faith to receive my breakthrough.

7. Father, let Your love and compassion fill my heart, and use me to help others walk in freedom.

8. Lord, I ask for the grace to trust Your timing in every area of my life.

9. Father, I speak resurrection power over every aspect of my destiny that has been buried or delayed.

10. Lord, grant me the grace to remove every obstacle that is standing in the way of my Miracle

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that every dead dream, vision, and opportunity in your life is coming back to life in the name of Jesus!

2. I decree that you will no longer be held back by the grave clothes of fear, doubt, and past failures.

3. I proclaim that the resurrection power of Jesus is at work in you, bringing new life and vitality to every situation.

4. Every delay in your life is turning around for your greater good and God’s glory.

5. The same Jesus who called Lazarus from the grave is calling you into new levels of breakthrough and victory.

6. No matter how hopeless your situation may seem, I declare that the power of God will intervene and bring a mighty turnaround.

7. You will not remain in the grave of stagnation, but you will rise and walk into your God-ordained purpose.

8. Every hindrance to your progress is being removed, and you are stepping into the fullness of your destiny.

9. Just as Lazarus was loosed from his grave clothes, I declare that you are being set free from every form of bondage.

10. I decree that the life-giving power of Jesus will manifest in every area of your life, bringing healing, restoration, and breakthrough!