What does Jesus' promise in John 11:23 reveal about His divine authority? Setting the scene Lazarus has been dead four days. Grief fills Bethany. Martha meets Jesus outside the village, aching with faith and confusion. Into that moment Jesus speaks a short, stunning sentence: “Jesus told her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’” (John 11:23) Layers of authority packed into one promise • Absolute certainty – Jesus doesn’t say “might” or “could.” He states what will happen, revealing sovereign knowledge of the future. • Personal initiative – He doesn’t merely predict an event; He intends to cause it. The assurance depends on who He is, not on circumstances. • Present-tense power – The verb “will rise” is future for Lazarus yet present in Jesus’ control. Time bends to His command. How Scripture fills out this authority 1. Authority over life and death – John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life…” – John 5:21: “Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes.” – Revelation 1:18: “I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.” 2. Authority rooted in divine unity with the Father – John 10:30: “I and the Father are one.” – Colossians 1:16-17: “In Him all things were created… and in Him all things hold together.” 3. Authority proven by action – Moments later, John 11:43-44 records the public resurrection of Lazarus, validating the promise. – Matthew 28:18: After His own resurrection Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” Why this matters for every believer • Our resurrection hope rests on the same Person who spoke to Martha. • Salvation is not wishful thinking but a guaranteed act of the One who commands life. • Daily confidence flows from knowing the One with proven authority over every grave. Living under the promise – Trust His word: what He declares, He performs. – Rest in His timing: delays (John 11:6) never weaken His power. – Celebrate His victory: because He is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22), our future is secure. |
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