Light | John 11:1-54

Use this curriculum to help you further engage with the sermon, the scriptures, and each other. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring things up to encourage and guide you so that you are always growing in your faith. If the Spirit leads you away from these questions and into conversation and prayer that encourages and points you to Jesus, go for it.

scripture

Read the following scriptures together: John 11:1-54.

overview

Jesus is sent word that his good friend Lazarus is very ill, and he gives a preview of what he intends to do and assures the disciples that it will be “for the glory of God and glorification of his Son” (v.4). Jesus clearly knows the details and those with him must have had some peace trusting that Lazarus would be ok, but Lazarus’s family and friends spent four days confused and possibly upset that Jesus didn’t immediately show up at their request. So often, we don’t understand God’s timing, or the steps he takes (or doesn’t take) when we earnestly pray and invite him to show up. It could take time for us to see God’s reasons for delay.

question 1

Has anyone been frustrated with God’s timing, but later understood the reason for the delay?

discussion

When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany it appears to be too late – Lazarus has died. But he shows that neither death nor time is an obstacle to him, and he proclaims that he is the resurrection and life. This is such a powerful statement and is the fifth “I Am” statement in the book of John. Jesus is declaring to be the source of both resurrection and life on earth and for eternity for those who put their faith in him. Jesus also reminds Martha that if she believed, she would see the glory of God. Martha’s faith allowed her to experience the glory and power of God. Those who didn’t believe, missed it and missed seeing Jesus’ divinity. If you have believed in Jesus for many years, the magnitude of this truth could have worn off and a possible danger could be that one overlooks God’s power and movement in their own life.

question 2

As you read and discuss these truths, what feelings come up in you? Do you notice God’s movement in everyday life or possibly overlook it? 

Read Psalm 46:1 and Isaiah 41:10. As Jesus heads to Lazarus’s tomb, we see his inner turmoil and the emotion he feels for the family. Jesus is not a faraway God who doesn’t suffer with us in tragedy, rather he is right beside us comforting us as a friend. Tragedy and trials will come into our lives whether we have faith or not and if we allow them to shake our faith and walk away, we miss experiencing God’s presence in our midst. When we take God at his Word, that he promises to be with us – comforting and strengthening us – it can alleviate a little bit of the pain that accompanies these trials. As is often the case, after we have walked through hardships, we can look back and see where God was with us and it will strengthen our faith. 

question 3

Sharing our own stories of God’s presence during trials can be encouraging to other people. Does anyone want to share one of your own?

weekly application

Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal how close he is to you in daily life. Also, consider sharing with someone who is exploring faith or who isn’t yet a believer about a recent time when God helped you through a trial.