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Jesus’ Authority over…

• matter = water into wine, multiplying the loaves and fish.
• Laws of physics = walking on water, disappearing into the crowd.
• Weather = calming the storm.
• Sickness or disabilities of the body = healing various diseases, woman’s bleeding, blindness since birth, cripples of various types.
• The unseen spirit world = casting out demons.

All these point to Jesus being different and quite significant to anyone else preceding Him.  Did any of these establish Him without question as God?

There is one authority that would without question establish Him as God—authority over death. 

The Palm Sunday story is about the glorification of Jesus as God’s Son.  John 11:1-7

• There was relationship between Lazarus and Jesus that was clearly known by the disciples as being quite close.
  
  
• Jesus intentionally delayed his response to go see Lazarus.

• To the concerned group—“This sickness will not end in death.”

Life is more dangerous when we walk where we shouldn’t and safe where God has led us to go.  John 11:8-13

• There was fear due to the danger of the trip back to the Jerusalem area.
  
  
• Walking in the light there is more clarity of what obstacles you face. (9) 1 John 1:7
  
  
• Walking in darkness you are vulnerable to unseen things. (10)

Belief and doubt were still in play despite all the other miracles of Jesus had performed. John 11:14-15

• Apparently, they were able to reason themselves into doubt with the other miracles were performed.
  
  
• What makes authority over death greater than all other miracles or authority?

Death is so final, and no person has the power to defeat it.  John 11:17-37

• No one can argue that Lazarus is indeed dead.
  • Three days without water is about the max someone can survive.
  • In a tomb sealed you would also have little to no oxygen.
  • Walking after no water for four days would also be impossible.

• Jesus weeps over the grief that death brings to people.
  • Weeping with those who weep.
  • Their unbelief.
  • Connecting with His own death.

• People believed he had the authority over sickness but not over death. (21, 32, 37)
  • Martha cracked open the door that maybe Jesus could still do something. (22)
  • Peter James and John knew He could but remained silent as charged by Jesus.

• Lazarus, come out! (43)

Even miracles cannot guarantee belief, but they will reveal the true posture of the heart.  John 11:38-51; Luke 16:30-31

1. Wonder, belief, and hope if you are willing to learn.
   
   
2. Anger and threat if you are obstinate and absolute in your opinion.

Triumphal entry was given new fervor due to the resurrection of Lazarus.  John 12:12-19

1. Wonder, belief and hope.
   
   
2. Anger and threat.

Before I return to the question of why authority over death is significant… What is the posture of your heart?  

Why was it important that Jesus had authority over death?

1. Death was the penalty instituted by God over man which meant that only God had authority over death.
   • Romans 6:23
   • Romans 3:23

2. Jesus must be God and without sin to have authority over death.
   
   
3. Jesus’ death would have been of his own choosing.
   
   
4. His resurrection validates His authority to remove our death penalty.
   • By faith in His death and resurrection.

The disciples had to have been shocked by His death just days after raising someone else from the dead.  We have the blessing of hindsight.  

Jesus had authority over Lazarus’ death. 

Jesus had authority over His death.

Jesus has authority over your death.

Do you believe? 

Benediction:  1 Corinthians 15:55