This Lesson is part of John’s Gospel Easy Notes Series.
John 11:25
Here is a claim no man or woman in human history has made. The complete mastery over death is what Jesus claimed. The resurrection of Jesus is proof of the sinless life that Jesus lived and the complete acceptance of his shed blood on the cross of Calvary as satisfaction of God’s justice (see Romans 1:4, Hebrews 13:20).
In the resurrection of Jesus is the certain hope that beyond our tears and sorrows and pain and suffering and death, there is life and joy in the resurrected lives we will live in the presence of God.
We find here the great message that turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). It was not Bethlehem and the manger, it was not the visit of the wise men, it was not the angelic chorus, it was not the mount of transfiguration that the disciples preached. They were so moved by the empty tomb and the presence of a Risen Saviour and Lord. The disciples suddenly were face to face with Life that death could not hold. So they went to all the world to preach the crucified Christ (1 Corinthians 1:23) and the Risen Christ (Acts 4:2).
In Revelation 1:17 and 18, John records what the Risen Christ told him at the Island of Patmos: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
What a mighty Risen God we serve! Amen. Hallelujah (Revelation 19:4b)!