Just Follow His Voice
Based on the sermon from 28 Sept 2025 by Phil Hibbert
John 11
I don’t remember much about dying. One moment I was burning with fever, my sisters weeping; the next, everything went dark. Cold. Silent. Hopeless. Then — a sound. A voice. Familiar. Strong. Not a whisper, but a command that cut through the darkness:
‘Lazarus! Come out!’
I couldn’t see, but I knew. I obeyed. Still wrapped in grave clothes, I shuffled forward. Suddenly sunlight hit my face, air filled my lungs, and hands pulled the wrappings away. My sisters were crying again — but this time with joy.
All I had to do was follow the voice. He did the rest.”
Why John Tells This Story?
John doesn’t record every miracle of Jesus. Instead, he chooses seven signs that show who Jesus really is. The raising of Lazarus is the climax — a preview of Jesus’ own resurrection, and a picture of what faith really looks like: hear His voice, respond, and find life.
Three Things We See
1. Jesus Comes Even When It Feels Too Late
From Martha and Mary’s perspective, Jesus delayed. From His perspective, He was waiting for God’s glory to be revealed. Silence doesn’t mean absence. Even when you feel forgotten, He’s still coming.
2. Jesus Speaks Life Into Hopelessness
Lazarus had been in the tomb four days — beyond hope. Yet Jesus declared: “I am the resurrection and the life.” He doesn’t just promise future life; He brings it now. Even when you feel trapped by grief, shame, or fear, His word still speaks life.
3. All You Have to Do Is Follow the Voice
Lazarus didn’t understand resurrection. He didn’t fix himself first. He just responded to the call. That’s discipleship in its simplest form: hear, trust, move. And then let others help remove the “grave clothes” as you grow in new life.
So, how Do We Do That?
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Listen: Give Jesus space each day — read a little Scripture, whisper, “Speak to me today.”
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Step Toward Him: Act on what you sense, even if it’s small.
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Let Others Help: Invite trusted friends to walk with you, pray with you, and encourage you.
Remember:
Even when you feel forgotten, He’s still coming.
Even when it feels hopeless, His word brings life.
Even when you don’t see the way, just follow His voice.
That’s the whole point of John 11. And it’s the whole call of the Christian life.
All you have to do is follow the voice of Jesus.
Take a moment right now: be still, whisper His name, and listen.
What is one small step you can take today to follow His voice?
Why not start by reading John 11 for yourself?
You can of course watch the full service, including the sermon on our website, here.