Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: If you could raise one person from the dead, who would it be? Why?
Step 2: Hear – Read: Jesus Comforts the Sisters. John 11:17 – 44.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- How long had Lazarus been dead by the time Jesus arrived? How would you feel if you were Martha or Mary and you heard that Jesus had finally come? What do you learn about Martha from the way she talks to Jesus in vv.21-27?
- If Martha had faith in Jesus (v.22), why was she skeptical when Jesus asked them to remove the stone (v. 39)? In what way did Martha misunderstand Jesus when he said, “Your brother will rise again” (v.23)?
- Since Jesus knew he was going to raise Lazarus (11:11), how do you account for his weeping (vv. 33-35)? Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead?
- How could this passage be used to help someone who is facing death? How do you respond to Jesus’ statement and question in vv. 25 – 26?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- When have you been faced with a tough situation that ended up stretching your faith? What would have been different for you if that struggle had simply been avoided?
- Have you ever attended a funeral where there was no sense of eternal life, as in verses 25-26? How did you go away from that experience? What difference does this hope make for you? How does Jesus’ response to Lazarus’ death and Mary’s weeping (v. 35) help you trust him more? How have you seen the Glory of God recently?
- On a scale or 1 (none) to 10 (completely) how confident are you that you will live eternally? What evidence is there supporting your level of confidence? How would you live your life differently if you were more confident? What are some old grave clothes that still must be shed for you to feel truly free in Christ?
Step 5: Reflect: Jesus said, did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?
