
What is a topic or subject, no matter how many times it’s explained to you, is still hard to understand?
Read John 11:1-4
Why was Lazarus sick according to Jesus? What do you think He meant?
A few days after Jesus is told of Lazarus’ illness, Jesus begins His journey to see him. Upon Jesus’ arrival, those present are grieving as Lazarus had been dead for 4 days and they have lost hope that anything can be done for him.
Read John 11:21-35
Share about a time you related to Mary and Martha’s question, “God, where were you?”
The shortest verse, “Jesus wept,” is also one of the most important. What is the significance of Jesus being with you in your grief.
In the midst of their grief, Martha and Mary choose to follow Jesus’ instructions even though they don’t fully understand what He is up to. While they don’t understand, they still have faith and believe that He is capable of the miraculous.
Read John 11:38-40
Has God ever led you to take a next step that you didn’t fully understand at the time?
In what way did Lazarus’ death ultimately bring glory to God?
Read Isaiah 55:9
Reflect on Isaiah 55:9 // What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear this? Why?
As you look back on the story of Jesus and Lazarus, it is interesting to follow the different things Mary and Martha both felt and experienced throughout it. They first experienced worry when Lazarus was ill, they were then filled with grief and disappointment when he died, they then trusted Jesus’ instructions even though they didn’t understand them, and they ultimately witnessed a miracle.
How do you think Mary & Martha’s experience shaped their relationship with Jesus and their understanding of suffering?