Sermon Discussion Guide

1.) Have you ever seen a magic trick in which something ordinary was changed into something extraordinary? Were you amazed and did you wonder “How did the magician do that?”

Read John 11:1-37

2.) This story of sickness and death impacts a family who are Jesus’ friends. Even though they know who Jesus was and they trusted him, what kind of questions could they have been asking themselves when Jesus didn’t come to help (heal) Lazarus? Why was their trust in Jesus and their love for him so strong during this time of difficulty and sadness?

Read John 11:38-45

3.) John wrote this story, in addition to stories of many other miracles, to reveal another aspect of who Jesus is. Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus revealed that he is the resurrection and the life. Martha believed that the resurrection was an event, but Jesus showed that the resurrection is a person. Apart from Jesus there is no resurrection. Do you believe this?

4.) How does knowing Jesus is the resurrection and the life help you during times of difficulty or challenge? What challenges have you faced and you chose to trust Jesus during that time? How did that impact your relationship with Jesus?

Going Deeper – The Last 10%

5.) Take time this week to journal your thoughts about these questions. Listen to what Jesus has to speak into your life.

Do you have a thriving relationship with Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God? If so, how is that reflected in your life?
Do you have areas in your life that are spiritually dead? Do you believe that Jesus can resurrect them?