October 4, 2026 | Sunday morning sermon | Jeff Arnette
Lazarus, Come Out! | Sermon 2
Scripture: John 11:17–27
These are summarized companion notes from the recorded teaching, not a verbatim transcript.
When Jesus reaches Bethany, Lazarus has been in the tomb four days. Martha meets him with grief and faith: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” This sermon considers the honesty of her words and Jesus’ promise to be our hope in the struggles we face today.
Bring your grief honestly to Jesus
Martha runs to Jesus and tells him what she feels. Jesus allows her to express her hurt. Jeff encourages the church to bring its disappointments and questions to the Lord without waiting until every feeling is settled or every word is carefully arranged.
Let hope shape today
Martha believes that her brother will rise in the resurrection on the last day. Jeff asks whether we sometimes keep our hope reserved for the future while expecting little help in the present. He encourages listeners to pray openly about the needs they are afraid to name.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life
Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life,” and asks Martha whether she believes this. The sermon emphasizes the person standing before her: Jesus brings the promise of resurrection and his presence into her grief. Jeff connects this with the promise in John 6:40 to raise believers on the last day.
Trust his presence in your hardest days
The closing encouragement is that Jesus is here, near and faithful in the middle of pain. Jeff invites listeners to let hope shape their lives now and offers the church’s help, encouragement and support to those who want to give their lives to Christ.
Reflection and application
What hurt or disappointment do you need to bring honestly to Jesus? Name a present need in prayer. Consider how you can depend on his care today and encourage someone else who is grieving.