2026 March 22nd - 11:00am Foundations Sermon - Pastor Elliott

·22 min·2 clips

Jesus arrives four days after Lazarus's death, and Martha confronts him with a mix of faith and despair.

The episode is a sermon from St. Luke's Lutheran Church titled 'Foundations Sermon' delivered by Pastor Elliott on March 22nd, 2026. It opens with a reading of John 11, detailing the death of Lazarus and Jesus's subsequent raising of him from the dead. Pastor Elliott uses this story to introduce the theme of the 'deeper cost' of walking with Jesus. He explains that this cost includes being hated by the world, as Jesus warned, which manifests in persecution, workplace discrimination, and social avoidance. The sermon identifies the 'large cross' believers bear as their sinful nature, which constantly opposes faith and becomes heavier during suffering like injury or illness. Pastor Elliott references other biblical witnesses like Nicodemus, the woman at the well, and the man born blind to illustrate faith progression. Returning to the Lazarus narrative, he highlights Jesus's statement 'I am the resurrection and the life' as a direct answer to the cost of sin, which is death. The sermon contrasts human costs with Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, where he experienced separation from God to save believers. Pastor Elliott poses the question 'Do you believe this?' to the congregation, distinguishing between head knowledge and heartfelt faith. He concludes by outlining three costs of witness: worship, indirect actions during suffering, and direct evangelism. The episode ends with a weekly awakening question asking listeners to reflect on costs they've experienced in following Jesus.

As heard by us

A Lazarus sermon that frames Martha's confession as a call to witness, forgiveness, and costly discipleship.

This sermon uses Lazarus at the tomb to think through witness at the point where faith meets death, delay, and the plain physical weight of grief.

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Why you'd press play

You want a sermon where Lazarus's tomb opens into questions about witness, forgiveness, and the cost of following Jesus.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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