Jesus Wept and Called Lazarus Back to Life

Main Theme:

This sermon explores the deep connection between love, ministry, and intercession, using the story of Jesus raising Lazarus as a central illustration. It emphasizes that intercession is both emotional and powerful, rooted in compassion, and modeled perfectly by Jesus.

1. Foundations: Love + Ministry = Intercession

• The sermon builds on previous teachings:
  • We are all in full-time ministry (Loïc).
  • Love is the most excellent way (Jacqueline).
• Intercession is where love and ministry converge.
• Jeremiah 27:18 calls true prophets to intercede — not just proclaim, but plead with God.

2. JESUS WEPT: The Heart of the Intercessor

• John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, reveals the depth of Jesus’ emotions.
• Jesus weeps over Lazarus, Jerusalem, and humanity (us).
• His emotions moved Him to act — not just feel.
  • He raised Lazarus (John 11),
  • He fed the hungry (Matthew 15),
  • He healed the blind (Matthew 20).

3. JESUS: Our Great Intercessor

• Hebrews 5:7-9 shows Jesus praying with tears.
• Romans 8:34 and Isaiah 53:12 affirm that Jesus continues to intercede for us.
• The Hebrew word “paga” means to “intercede, plead, or meet,” emphasizing proximity, urgency, and love in prayer.

Biblical Intercessors:

• Abraham (Genesis 18),
• Moses (Exodus 32),
• Paul (Galatians 4:19, interceding like a woman in labor),
• The Holy Spirit (Romans 8:27).

4. The Position of the Intercessor

• Genesis 12:8: Abraham’s tent was pitched between Bethel (God's house) and Ai (ruin) — symbolizing the intercessor’s place between the holy and the broken.
• Joel 2:17: Priests are called to weep between the porch and the altar, crying out for mercy and revival.

5. Kairos Moments for Intercession

• Esther interceded “for such a time as this” to save her people.
• The sermon suggests Belgium/Brussels in 2025 may be in such a kairos time — a strategic moment for harvest and prayer.

6. Ministry Response Time

Four groups of people are invited to respond:

1. Non-Christians seeking to know Jesus.
2. Christians with blocked emotions, seeking healing.
3. Intercessors, desiring deeper compassion and calling.
4. Anyone needing breakthrough, seeking support in prayer.

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