Resurrection Motivation

Introduction: ‘If you would have been here!’

Even before Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, Jesus had already demonstrated his power and spoken about His forthcoming bodily resurrection when he raised Lazurus from the dead in John 11.

One of the greatest dialogues between Jesus and his believers came to Lazurus’ sisters Mary and Martha.

Application: Often I’m sure we’ve thought or even spoken what Martha said….

In that moment of crisis, desperation, disappointment, grief and loss…. ‘If only you would have been here!’

• Things would be different

• Life could have continued

• A miracle could have happened

• Things would be different.

Jesus’ Resurrection: 

I. Helps our Hope – 

‘Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went out to meet him.’ – v. 20 

II. Dares us to Dream – ‘If only you had been here.’ – v. 21

In Martha’s mind she had a ‘dream’ of sorts.

Application: Jesus’ work, power and resurrection let us dream. 

• Dream Anew

• Dream Afresh

Application: I do not want to stop dreaming…how about you?! Do one ever get too old to dream? I hope not!

III. Fuels our Faith – v. 22

‘But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give you.’ – v. 22

Matthew 17 – ‘If you have the faith the size of a mustard seed’…

Matthew 6 – ‘Oh you of little faith’.

Mark 9 – ‘Help my unbelief’

IV. Begs for Belief – v.26

‘Do you believe this?’ – v. 26

Jesus’ resurrections begs/shouts out…

• He can do it!

• It is possible!

• He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

Application: Can we believe that we’re not done yet?

• That He’s not done yet?

• There is a tomorrow?

• We can keep dreaming?

Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans that I have for you…

Conclusion: The power of the Resurrection is extended beyond the theological significance.

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned– (Rom 5:12 NKJ)

Romans 5:15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. (Rom 5:15 NKJ) 

1 Corinthians 15:55 “O Death, where is your sting1? O Hades, where is your victory2?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Co 15:55 NKJ)

Not only does Jesus’ death and resurrection secure us an eternal destiny but it also provides us power to live today… to…

1. Help us Hope

2. Dare us to Dream

3. Fuel our Faith

4. Beg for Belief