Sunday AM Sermon • October 11, 2026 • Jeff Arnette
Lazarus, Come Out! — Sermon 3. Scripture: John 11:28–37.
These summarized companion notes follow the recorded sermon and spoken invitation; they are not a verbatim transcript.
Mary falls at Jesus’ feet with the words, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus is deeply moved and weeps. This sermon considers the Savior who understands our grief and comes alongside us in it.
Jesus feels our grief
John 11:33 describes Jesus as deeply moved and troubled when he sees Mary and those with her weeping. He knows what he is about to do for Lazarus, yet he takes time to share their pain. His compassion gives us courage to bring our own hurts to him.
Jesus goes to the place of pain
When Jesus asks where Lazarus has been laid, he moves toward the place where the family’s sorrow is concentrated. The sermon reminds us that he stays with us in our pain, even when events have not unfolded as we hoped.
He knows what each person needs
Martha and Mary express the same grief in different ways. Martha needs to talk; Mary falls at Jesus’ feet. Jesus meets them personally. The illustration of children responding differently to a bicycle accident helps explain why comfort does not look the same for everyone.
When words are gone
Sometimes all we have left is to fall at Jesus’ feet. The sermon connects that experience with the Spirit’s intercession when words fail and with the call to cast our cares on the Lord. We can bring him our pain even when we cannot explain it.
Jesus wept
John 11:35 shows Jesus moved to tears despite knowing what will happen next. His presence and compassion matter while we wait for answers. The sermon closes with Psalm 34:18: the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Reflection and invitation
If you need to talk, keep bringing your questions and hurts to Jesus. If you have no words, come to him as you are. Consider how you can sit with someone else in grief and offer patient presence. The recorded sermon ends with a spoken invitation to come for help.