THE SHORTEST VERSE IN THE BIBLE COMES FROM AN EVENT IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST THAT CAUSED HIM TO WEEP

1. The philosopher Spinoza said-if he could believe the story of Lazarus- he would be Christian
2. We are each faced with the question Jesus asked Martha as often as a loved one dies
3. But what was it that caused Jesus to weep in the house of his friend?

I.- THE DELAY - FOR YOUR SAKE! John 11:15

We will never know the duties and responsibilities of Jesus- Who bossed Him around?

A.- JESUS WAS MINISTRING BEYOND JORDAN WHEN THE WORD FIRST CAME TO HIM OF LAZARUS 10:40-42

1. This was in the area where John Baptized Him, but John did not do the wonderful miracles
2. Jesus reminded the people of John- because all that John said of Jesus was true! You?
3. Many believed on Jesus there- and He was busy about the business of winning souls

B.- THE MESSENGERS SAID TO HIM "HE WHOM THOU LOVEST IS SICK"  v.3

1. Previous to this time there is not much record of Jesus in home of Lazarus- but Love?
2. Jesus so ministered that everyone seemed to feel that they were the special ones-loved
3. Just as each should feel "chief of sinners" with Paul- also feel one whom Jesus loved" - John

C.- JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES "LAZARUS IS DEAD ... & I'M GLAD FOR YOUR SAKES" v. 14,15

1. There was some little to-do about whether Lazarus was asleep or dead- but Jesus settled it
2. He told them plainly- he is dead! v.14 -But why- "for your sake"!  A hard lesson to teach
3. Things that happen in your life might well be for someone else's sake- so believe, & trust

God does not always jump when we pray (send for him) but know the delay if for our sake

II.- THE ARRIVAL AND WORDS FOR OUR SAKE  23-27

The journey 20-30 miles to be met by those He loved- blaming Him for delay

A.- MARTHA GREETED HIM WITH "IF THOU HADST BEEN HERE MY BROTHER HAD NOT DIED." v. 21

1. Martha Luke 10:40 was the practical one- cumbered about with serving- working, a ministry
2. The household was called hers- she must have been a widow- but she was a business person
3. The word just came to her- and she rushed out to meet Jesus- "Lord If thou hadst been here..."

B.- JESUS SAITH UNTO HER, THY BROTHER SHALL RISE AGAIN." V. 23

1. She did not want words of pious doctrine- she knew her brother would arise "at last day"
2. But I'm glad for her practicableness- brought the great words of comfort -v.25,6 for me
3. The question Jesus asked her- rings so loud in my ear at every casket- "Believest thou?"

C.- MARTHA CALLED HER SISTER, MARY, AND SAID "THE MASTER IS COME AND CALLETH FOR THEE." 28

1. Mary- the devotional one- Luke 10:39 -who meditated,- mourned, and wept
2. But when the word came she came quickly v.29 What about when Jesus calls you? Your response?
3. She fell at His feet- v.32- but she too seemed to state- a blame or not? But a big IF!

We all have many "Ifs in our hearts.- but when we face Jesus our "If's " should dissolve

III.- THE TEARS - FOR WHOSE SAKE DID HE WEEP? 35

Do you feel anything about this verse- shortest in Bible- often quoted by silly youths.-

A.- JESUS SAW HER WEEPING, AND THE JEWS WEEPING, AND HE WEPT ! 33-

1. Why did He weep? Was it for their unbelief?- Theirs was the best! - Or empathy with them
2. Heb 4:15 He is touched with the feelings of our infirmity!- He weeps with us, feels
3. Do you share your burdens with Jesus? Take Him your tears? They are precious as a baby

B.- JESUS SAID, "ROLL BACK THE STONE" v.38 AND "LAZARUS, COME FORTH!" v.43

1. Again- these words- were for sake of the crowd! -v.41,2- But he asked help with stone!
2. He let God have the Glory- but spoke and Lazarus came forth!- Resurrection power in word
3. Again He asked help, or commanded?  Which? - The grave clothes to let him go?

C.- MANY OF THE JEWS BELIEVED, V.45, BUT SOME PLOTTED HIS DEATH v. 53

1. After a jolt like this- many Jews who saw this would believe- & many who heard.
2. But some spies took the word to the Pharisees- and they hated Jesus for this- plotted!
3. The High Priest- though he was against Jesus, God honored his office- & words- prophesied...

AND NOW, AT ANY TIME THE WORD MAY COME TO YOU, "THE MASTER CALLETH FOR THEE!" Your answer?

1. God has a call- for the moment of your Salvation- miss it, and you may miss heaven! He cares
2. God has a call for your total dedication to Him- miss it, and you may miss your purpose
3. God has a call for you- in Death or rapture- YOU WON'T MISS THIS ONE!  But are you ready?