The Giver of Life WHO IS THIS MAN? – Part 6 May 23, 2021

1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” John 11:1-3

6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” John 11:6-7

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; John 11:17-25

The Giver of Life

• In Jesus we find hope.

• In Jesus we find a future.

• In Jesus we find life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10b

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” John 11:25 Small Group Discussion Questions for the Week of May 23, 2021.

Opening

Which of your siblings (if any) are you closest to? Why that one?

Digging Deeper Into the Scriptures

Read John 11:1-7 1. How would you describe Jesus’ relationship with this family (vv. 1-5)?

2. Why doesn't Jesus go immediately when He learns of the sickness (vv. 4-7)?

Read John 11:17-25 3. What did Jesus find when He arrived at Bethany (vv. 17-19)?

4. Describe what takes place between Martha and Jesus (vv. 20-25). What can we learn from Martha’s encounter with Jesus in a time of great need?

5. What did Martha and the others learn about Jesus’ identity (v. 25)?

Applying the Scriptures

1. How can troubles be opportunities for honoring Christ?

2. Have you ever felt like God was not listening when you prayed? How did you deal with this?

How does the way in which Jesus postponed his response to the sisters’ request help you in understanding your own prayer life?