Jesus learns that Lazarus is sick.
- Where are Jesus and his disciples as this episode begins (Jn 10:40-42)?
Beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first.
How far is that from Bethany?
Maybe about 1 day away.
Jesus receives a message. Who delivers it? What does it say? How many days old is this message?
It just says the sisters sent word, it doesn't really say who delivered it.
The message says "Lord, the one you love is sick."
The message is as old as the time it takes to get from Bethany to where Jesus was. Maybe 1 day, since Jesus stayed where he was for 2 days and Lazarus was in the tomb for 4. 1 day for message to get to Jesus, 2 days waited, 1 day to get to Lazarus.
- What does Jesus mean by the statement, "This sickness will not end in death"?
He already knows what will happen - that Lazarus will be raised from the dead. He also knows why - for God's glory. (v4)
Jesus and the disciples.
- Then, what does Jesus do or not do? Why?
Jesus doesn't immediately go to Lazarus. He knows God's plan - to raise Lazarus from the dead.
What do you think he does during this time? What lesson(s) might we learn from this about our response to requests for healing?
(v9-10)Talks about "walking by the light" and "walking by night". We need to be "walking by the light" so we don't stumble. Jesus is the light, we should be walking with Him.
John 9:5 ... I am the light of the world.
- How do the disciples respond to Jesus' proposal, "Let us go back to Judea"?
They couldn't understand it. They asked "Why?". (v8)
What reasons for not responding do you use under similar circumstances?
It may not always be possible to physically go to a loved one when they are sick.
- How when and where did Jesus learn that Lazarus has died?
(v11)Jesus seems to know Lazarus is already dead. The only way to know this here is from the Lord. (v17)On His arrival, Jesus found Lazarus in the tomb for 4 days.
Why, do you think Jesus tells the disciples that Lazarus is asleep? To avoid shocking the disciples? Look at
Lazarus Sleep.
He was trying to tell them that Lazarus' current condition is temporary, and symbolically death is temporary for those who believe. (v25)
What would you say to someone who suggests waking up a sick person who is asleep?
Normally this doesn't seem like the thing to do. Normally you would let a sick person sleep. The disciples as much as said this. (v12)
- Does Thomas's remark say something about dying? Something about Thomas? Something else?
(v16)Thomas must have loved Lazarus. He doesn't understand that Jesus has power over death.
Jesus and Martha
- What are the two parts of Martha's greeting or prayer?
(v21)Expresses faith in Jesus to heal Lazarus' sickness and faith that God will do whatever Jesus asks.
(v24-27)Show while Martha has faith in Jesus, and knows He is the Son of God, she really doesn't understand the full implication of Jesus' power. She doesn't understand that Jesus is eternal life.
- How is Martha's 3-part confession like or unlike that of Peter in
Matt 16:16?
Both Martha and Peter seem to understand that Jesus is the Son of God but they don't understand the resurrection and it's full implication for them.
Peter can't seem to accept the fact that Jesus must die and be resurrected. (Matt 16:22)
Martha seems to understand resurrection as something in the future (v24), not something that Jesus can do right now in the present.
If asked what would your confession of faith sound like?
My confession would be similar - I know who Jesus is but have no way of understanding the resurrection. This is where faith comes in - I still believe without understanding - like Peter and Martha.
- What do you think is the key verse in this section? Why?
John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.
This verse gives a clue to eternal life in Jesus.
Jesus and Mary
- How do these two mini-dramas with Mary and Martha inform us about our relating to family and friends of the sick and dying? Is it OK to weep with them? Laugh? Evangelize? (see
Ecc 3:4 &
Psalm 30:5)
There is a time for everything, a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
Jesus wept with them even though He knew Lazarus would live. This is comforting to know Jesus cares enough to share our pain.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Lazarus is raised from the dead.
- In this particular healing, Jesus does or says four things: 1. "Take away the stone", 2. "Father, I thank you ...", 3. "Lazarus, come out" and 4. "Take off the grave clothes". What might each of these suggest to us as we engage in the minstry of healing?
1. Remove anything that might be blocking the healing.
2. Always give thanks! (
Phil 4:4-6)
3. Bring the person needing healing into Jesus' light.
4. Remove anything the person was wearing when they were dead (sin). Let Jesus make them clean.
- What lesson(s) have you learned about healing from this account?
Jesus is the light, we should be walking with Him in the healing ministry.
Jesus has power over death - death is temporary for those who believe.
John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!