The Disciples (John 11:1-16)
- John is the only gospel writer who tells the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. Describe the relationship of this family to Jesus.
- When Mary and Martha sent urgent word to Jesus that Lazarus, the one whom He loved, was sick, what was Jesus' response?
- After waiting two days, Jesus decided to return to Judea and to the home of Lazarus, but His disciples were concerned for His safety. What did Jesus mean by His answer in verses 9 and 10? See John 9:4, 5.
- When Jesus explained to His disciples that Lazarus "sleeps," what was their response?
How did Jesus explain Lazarus' state?
- What does Thomas' statement demonstrate?
- Share with the class a time when some seemingly bad event helped your belief.
The Sisters (John 11:17-37)
- Describe the scene in Bethany when Jesus arrived.
- From Martha's statement to Jesus in verses 21 and 22, how would you characterize her faith?
- When Jesus told Martha that her brother would rise again, what description did He give of Himself to prove His assertion?
How is Jesus the Resurrection and the Life for believers?
- As soon as Mary learned that Jesus was nearby, she quickly went to meet Him. How did she react and what did she say when she met Him?
- The very gospel in which the deity of Jesus is most clearly asserted is also that gospel which makes us best acquainted with the profoundly human side of His life. How was Jesus affected by the scene?
How did the crowd respond?
Lazarus (John 11:38-44)
- Although Jesus was deeply moved by the occasion, He quickly took charge and commanded the stone in front of the tomb removed. Why did Martha object to Jesus' command?
How did Jesus convince them to do as He said?
- Sometimes Christ asks us to obey Him in an area we do not understand. He does this so that He might demonstrate the greater glory of God. Tell of a time when you felt that God was leading you in a direction you did not understand.
Master over Death |
- What was the result of Jesus' prayer?
- What were the implications then and now for us?
The Jews (John 11:45-57)
There were two opposing reactions to Jesus' miracle. Some of the Jews believed in Jesus because of what He had done, but others went and reported to the Pharisees. The Pharisees were the strongest opposition to Jesus during His ministry, but they wielded very little political power. At this juncture, the chief priests – who were later out front in the events leading to Jesus' death – are brought into the fray.
- Why were the Jewish leaders so upset at the things Jesus was doing?
- What did Caiaphas, the High Priest, suggest?
Would it have the result that he intended?
Jesus and His Friends (John 12:1-11)
- Six days before the Passover, Jesus returned to the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus where a supper was made for Him. What happened at the supper?
- Discuss the role in which we find each of the following at the supper in Bethany?
Martha ______________________________________________________________
Mary ________________________________________________________________
Lazarus _____________________________________________________________
Judas Iscariot ______________________________________________________
- In what position was Mary in each of the three times that she is mentioned in the Gospels?
Luke 10:39 ________________________________________________________________
John 11:32 ________________________________________________________________
John 12:3 ________________________________________________________________
From Romans 14:11 and Philippians 2:10 - 11, in what position will we find ourselves before Jesus?
- Discuss how Mary's act of anointing Jesus was a blessing to:
Jesus _______________________________________________________________
Mary ________________________________________________________________
the dinner guests ___________________________________________________
the church today ____________________________________________________
- Why did the crowd from Jerusalem go to Bethany?
What did their following cause the chief priests to plan?
Jesus and the Passover Pilgrims (John 12:12-19)
- The Triumphal Entry is recorded in all four gospels. See Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44. Describe the scene when Jesus entered Jerusalem?
- What would the crowd have thought when they saw Jesus' entrance to Jerusalem on a donkey? See I Kings 1:32-40 and Zechariah 9:9
- How should worship be more like a hero's welcome than a funeral dirge?
How can you improve your worship?
Jesus and the Gentile Visitors (John 12:20-36)
The Gospel is For All
Greek gentiles had also come to the Passover feast and were attracted to Jesus. The following verses provide evidence that the Gospel of John was written as a message of universal appeal.
John 1:29 Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His only Son
John 4:42 Samaritans identify Him as the Savior of the World
John 6:33 The Bread of God gives life to the world
John 8:12 I Am the Light of the World
John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this fold
John 11:52 One man would die and gather into one the scattered children of God
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- From verses 23 and 28, what is the theme of Jesus' last public discourse?
- What is different about this hour?
- What does the image of the seed illustrate in Jesus' discourse?
From this text and others, how can we have a fruitful life?
- How did Jesus show by what death He was to die?
Besides crucifixion, what else does the phrase "lifted up" mean? See Isaiah 52:13.
- Where did Jesus go after this public discourse?
Jesus and the Unbelieving Jews (John 12:37-50)
- Why did John say some, even among the authorities, who believed did not confess their faith?
What are some ways you can develop courage to proclaim Jesus, even in situations where it may not be popular or may even be dangerous?
- Identify the basic themes of John's gospel in Jesus' last message in verses 44-50.