John 11 + The Fears That Keep Us From Truth // Fighting Lies - Jeremiah Lepasana Artwork

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John 11 + The Fears That Keep Us From Truth // Fighting Lies - Jeremiah Lepasana

September 21, 2025 • City Chapel NYC

Driving Questions: We fight lies with Truth. But what is the nature of Truth in Scripture? Why is it so hard to experience the power of Truth?

What is the nature of Biblical Truth? Truth is Relational

Scripture shows that truth is not just abstract facts in a container or arguments to be won—it is relational truth.
Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” To pursue truth is to pursue a relationship with Jesus, grounded in His hesed love—a never stopping, never giving up, always and forever love.

Why is it so hard to experience the power of Truth? Our Fears.

In John 11:45–53, even after seeing Jesus raise Lazarus, the leaders could not experience TRUTH because fear was animating their hearts.
Religious leaders could not “see” Jesus because they worried about what could be “taken away” - their place and their nation.
Reflect: What are you afraid can be/will be taken from you?

Jesus shows up to “take away” our sins - which is the actual barrier that keeps us from experiencing the “life to the full” promised by Jesus.

At the center of the gospel is this: Jesus takes away that which threatens the connection we long to experience. John calls Him “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”—the very barrier that keeps us from the Father. Sin and separation are removed so we can come home.

Summary: From this passage we see that freedom comes as we: 1) name the fears that animate our lies, 2) trust Jesus as the Lamb who takes away both sin and the ultimate threat, and 3) live together as a community that helps one another walk into relational truth.

PRAY

(Pray for freedom from fear) Lord, reveal the fears that quietly shape my life and feed the lies I believe. Thank You that Jesus has taken away sin, and with it, the threat of losing what matters most—our place with You. Teach me to pursue truth not as facts but as relationship with You. Make our church a community that helps one another uproot lies, confront fear, and live secure in Your never-ending love. Amen.