The text for this lesson is John 11:1–45
Key Point
- In resurrecting Lazarus, Jesus demonstrated that He can indeed raise all who believe in Him for salvation. True life is eternal life with Jesus.
- Law: In this life, I see and experience the effects of sin: sickness, injury, and death.
- Gospel: Jesus, who is the source of all life, will raise me and all who believe in Him to life with Him forever, where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
Discussion Points
- What comfort does your Baptism give you when a loved one dies? What comfort can you find in the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist when you miss your departed loved one?
- Read John 11:1–16. Jesus mentions the historical Lazarus only in John 11 and 12. What do we learn of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42? Why does Jesus delay going to Lazarus, despite His love for this family? What fear do the disciples express, and how does Jesus answer their fear? How does Jesus refer to Lazarus in John 11:11? What do the disciples understand by this, and what does Jesus mean by it?
- Read John 11:17–27. Why is it significant that “Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days” (John 11:17)? What does Martha say to Jesus when she sees Him? How does she understand “the resurrection”? How does Jesus refocus her understanding of “the resurrection”?
- Read John 11:28–37. When Mary goes to meet Jesus, what does she say to Him, and how does Jesus respond this time? What does John 11:35 teach us about Jesus’ humanity and divinity as well as about how God views death?
- Read John 11:38–45. Jesus was “deeply moved again” (v. 38) and commanded that the stone be taken away. What does the removal of the stone foreshadow? See John 20:1–10. Why does Jesus pray to His Father (vv. 41–42)? How does Jesus miraculously raise Lazarus from the dead? What is the conclusion to the story (v. 45)?
- In this story, we see Jesus delaying while Lazarus is sick, but then performing His greatest miracle after Lazarus has died. What comfort and hope does this give us as we face prolonged or even terminal illness? Also see Romans 8:28.
