JESUS, THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE

John 11:1-44

Key Verse: 11:25,26

* " ....SO THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE" (1-16)

1. Where was Jesus when the problem arose in Bethany? What was his relationship with the family of Lazarus? (1-5; cf. Lk10:38-40; Jn12:3) What was the message the sisters sent to Jesus? What was its intent?

2. How did Jesus respond to the news? How is his love and way of looking at things different from most people?

3. When Jesus decided to go to Judea, why did the disciples not want to go? What principle of faith did Jesus teach them? What does this mean? What did he teach them about death? How is his view of death different from theirs? (cf. Mt.9:24; Acts7:60; 1 Cor.15:6) How did Jesus help his disciples in this situation? (15)

* "I AM THE RESURRECTION" (17-37)

4. What was the situation Jesus found when he arrived at Bethany? How would you describe the general atmosphere? What was the confidence and also the disappointment implied in Martha's (21) and later, Mary's (32) greeting?

5. What did Jesus mean by verse 23? How did Martha interpret his words? What did Jesus teach her about himself? (25,26) What do you think this means?

6. What was the difference between Martha's head knowledge of Jesus and the working faith that was in her heart? (22,24,27,28,29)

* "YOU WOULD SEE THE GLORY OF GOD" (38-44)

7. Think about Jesus' meeting with Mary. How do the words of the Jews in verse 37 reflect Mary's own doubt of Jesus' love? Verses 33,35 and 38 say that Jesus was deeply moved and troubled (can be translated "angry"), and that he wept. Why was he so troubled, even though he knew the outcome?

8. What did Jesus say when he came to the tomb? (39a) How did Martha respond? (39b) How did he rebuke Martha? (40) What was her problem?

9. Why did Jesus look up to the Father and pray? How did Jesus raise Lazarus? (43) What happened to Lazarus when Jesus commanded him to "come out!"? In what respect was God's glory revealed? (4,40)

10. What did Jesus want to teach his disciples and his friends through the raising of Lazarus? (25,26) What does this mean to us?