Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: Describe the sickest you have ever been?
Step 2: Hear – Read: The Death of Lazarus. John 11:1 – 16.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- How do Mary and Martha identify Lazarus in their message to Jesus (see vv. 5, 36)? What kind of relationship did Jesus have with Lazarus and his sisters?
- What reason does Jesus give for Lazarus’ illness? What does Jesus do when he hears Lazarus is sick? Why does Jesus deliberately delay (v. 6)? Why is he glad for the delay?
- Given his disciples’ objection (v. 8), how does Jesus answer the disciples’ concern for his life? Why is he unafraid of the Jews? What do you think Jesus means by his parable (vv. 9-10)?
- Why is Jesus returning to Lazarus at this time (vv. 11-15)? What do the disciples fear instead (vv. 8, 16)? Summarize reasons for Jesus’ actions (compare vv. 9-10 with 9:4-5).
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- Have you ever felt like God was not listening when you preyed? How did you deal with this?
- How does the way in which Jesus postponed his response to the sisters’ request help you in understanding your own prayer life?
- Have you, like Thomas (v. 16), ever felt Jesus was calling you to do something very risky? What happened?
- Given Jesus’ actions, how can we have similar confidence for our actions?
Step 5: Reflect: No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it?
