To begin this morning, may I say to you that there are two ways we can approach the next few weeks in our culture. On the one hand, we can say, along with just about everyone, “Christmas is near!” And there is a way of saying those words that “detaches” them from real meaning and significance. The word “Christmas” used more like it’s a deadline. “Christmas is near! I gotta have the presents purchased, wrapped, in the mail or under the tree. I’ve gotta have the cookies made and the decorations up. I’ve gotta have the cards mailed, at least to the people who sent one to me! I gotta have the food ready for Christmas Day dinner. I’ve gotta have the guest room ready. Ahhhh! Christmas is near!” The sentence triggers anxiety.

The people stood watching. (v. 35) This is the first verse of our text this morning. That verse may seem rather insignificant. Yet it actually reveals something quite interesting. You see, the word used for “watching” is a word that means more than simply glancing at something. It is a word that means to carefully observe something. To concentrate on something. The people are watching and trying to discern the meaning of this strange crucifixion.

The matter before us today is that of the resurrection of the dead. The resurrection lies at the core of Christian teaching. Belief in the resurrection begins with the belief that Jesus himself rose from the dead and it ends with the resurrection of all the dead when Jesus returns. And we do not play word games with the word “resurrection.” We don’t say “resurrection” and mean some kind of metaphorical resurrection or metaphysical resurrection. By resurrection of the dead we mean that corpses will come to life again.

I want to read for you John 8:30. This is the verse that comes immediately before our text. John 8:30 says, As he [Jesus] was saying these things, many believed in him. As Jesus was saying what things? Well, Jesus had proclaimed, I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12). He had also said, When you lift up [crucify] the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one. (John 8:28) As he was saying these things, many believed in him. Something wonderful was happening! As people listened to Jesus, they were being brought to faith in him!

How do you show gratitude? There’s not a simple answer to that, is there? It depends, doesn’t it? If someone holds the door open for you at the store, a simple spoken, “Thank you” seems sufficient. If Grandma and Grandpa give you $50 for your birthday, maybe it’s time to write a thank-you note. If your neighbor mows your lawn for a month while you recover from foot surgery, maybe you get him a gift card for a nice dinner at a local restaurant. If someone gives you one of their kidneys, perhaps you give them a huge hug and, with tears in your eyes, tell them “I don’t know how to thank you for what you did for me!” There seems to be an ascending scale when it comes to gestures of gratitude.