"Rejection in the Face of Resurrection" - (John 11:37-57) - Jonny Ardavanis
As Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, we witness both the undeniable power of God and the tragic persistence of unbelief. This moment—filled with awe, compassion, and divine authority—should have led to universal worship. Instead, it becomes the trigger for the plot to kill Jesus.
In this passage, we see Jesus deeply moved at the grave, not only by sorrow and death, but by the unbelief of those around Him. He commands life with His voice, calling Lazarus out of the tomb. Yet rather than bow in faith, many turn to conspire against Him.
This sermon explores how hardened hearts can reject even the clearest revelation of God’s glory—and how, even in the midst of rejection, God’s sovereign plan unfolds perfectly.
📖 Scripture: John 11:37–57
Key Themes:
1. Jesus grieves deeply and enters into our sorrow
2. Resurrection power reveals the glory of God
3. Unbelief persists—even in the face of undeniable miracles
4. God’s redemptive plan moves forward through human rejection
5. Caiaphas unknowingly prophesies the gospel: one man dies so many may live