* “It was for this reason…”

* The reason Lazarus died was so that God could be glorified.

* His sisters didn’t understand - Jesus could’ve kept him from dying.

* But keeping Lazarus from dying would’ve kept others from believing.

* Lazarus had to die so Jesus could put life not only back into him but others as well.

* The death you’re experiencing is ultimately for your good and God’s glory.

* Let Him take you through death in order to bring life.

* vs 23-26 - Life Through Death

* All the characteristics of a mighty oak tree are contained within the hard shell of the acorn.

* But it has to be planted and die before the tree can manifest itself.

* If the acorn had feelings it wouldn’t want to be buried alive in that cold dark dirt.

* If it stayed in a glass or on a table, it would remain as it was for years.

* You can smash an acorn on the table and it will die, but no life will spring forth.

* But if you bury it in good soil and water it then it will die, but life will come out of it.

* The mighty oak inside will reveal itself in time and many acorns will be produced.