John 11 Jesus the Life and the Resurrection
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Jesus, Lazarus and the plan of God vs. 1-16
Vs. 4 In Jesus mind
what was the purpose for Lazarus’ sickness?
That God might be glorified.
Where else in the book of John has Jesus said something
similar?
In John 9, in answering the question why the man was born
blind.
Vs. 7-8 Why were the disciples surprised that Jesus would go
back into Judea?
The ruling Jews has sought to stone Him twice in the past
year.
Vs. 9-10 What principle was Jesus teaching by giving this
saying to the disciples?
We order our life according to what is right. Men work in the day because it is light
during the day. It was the right thing for Jesus to go back into Judea, the opposition
didn’t matter.
Vs. 11 Why did Jesus say Lazarus was only sleeping?
Jesus sees death as only an event in life, not the end of
life. Believers are often said to be “asleep” in the NT because they will awake
with the resurrection of the body.
Vs. 12-15 Jesus
expresses a purpose in the death of Lazarus that concerned the disciples. What
was that purpose?
That they might believe.
Vs. 16 How does
Thomas’ statement show their need for greater belief in who Jesus Christ was?
Thomas was brave and loyal but his statement does not
reflect a belief in Jesus’ power over death and life. This was the power Jesus needed his disciples
to believe in.
Personal Application:
According to Jesus how should I view sickness, turmoil and
even death?
All these are opportunities for God to be glorified.
Does God always heal in order to manifest Himself?
No, often the greater glory is seen in a believer’s courage
and peace at the end of life.
According to this passage what determines healing or
non-healing?
The plan and purpose of God.
How does the action of Jesus dealing with Lazarus answer the
question, “How can a omnipotent loving God allow suffering?
God’s love does not contradict God’s vision. His plan for
our wellbeing may of necessity include pain and heartache. It is because of His
great love that he allows the suffering, that we might know more and be more
than we could be without it.
Jesus, Martha and Mary vs. 17-33
Did Martha and Mary believe in Jesus as more than a teacher
or prophet?
Yes, they believed in Him as the Messiah and Son of God.
Did they expect Jesus to resurrect Lazarus immediately?
No, their faith like that of the disciples was not strong
enough to accept Lazarus immediate resurrection or that of Jesus Himself.
Why did Jesus weep when He knew he was going to bring
Lazarus back to life?
Knowing the joy of the future does not prevent experiencing
the pain of the present. Jesus loved this family and he keenly felt their
suffering.
Personal Application:
In what ways does my faith need to be strengthened and
matured in order to experience Jesus’ power in my life now, and not just to
wait for heaven?
Jesus, Lazarus and the Pharisees vs. 45-57
What were the two reactions to Jesus’ raising of Lazarus?
Some believed on Jesus, others in spite of the miracle
returned like spies and told the Pharisees what they had seen.
When confronted with an undeniable resurrection at the hands
of Jesus what was the reaction of the Pharisees?
They fear all will believe on Jesus and the Romans then will
come and destroy the nation and the Pharisees place with it. Therefore they conspire
to kill Him.
Ironically, what happened to the nation of Israel and the
Pharisees in 70 AD?
The Roman General Titus in reaction to Jewish rebellions sacked
the city, leveling the temple and effectively removing the Jewish people from
their home until modern times.
Personal Application:
What is the relationship between miracles and faith?
Miracles do not create faith, nor does faith produce miracles. Miracles can strengthen faith as in the case
of the disciples, Mary, and Martha, but may also strengthen unbelief as the
Pharisees prove. Miracles are simply God’s signposts pointing to His Son. It is
not the miracles we must seek but the miracle worker, Jesus.
Conclusion
As Christians, our eyes must always be on God’s working
through the events of time toward eternity. We must be careful to not see the
events that happen in our time without considering that God is working on the
greater scale of eternity, which we cannot imagine or grasp.
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