Note: Today’s reading passages are a little longer than usual, so instead of including those passages inline, I have linked them to them on Bible.com. You can use your Bible App, or a browser. Of course, you could use a paper Bible also!
How do you handle times when you are forced to wait?
Have you ever felt like you were waiting on God? When? What did it feel like?
Bible App: John 11:1-16
Although Jesus said that the sickness would not end in death (v. 4), Lazarus did still die. Did Jesus misspeak? What might He have meant about the ultimate eternal life we are promised in Him?
The sisters probably expected Jesus to come by the end of the second day. Instead, they had to wait two more days, not knowing when or if He would come at all. What may have been going through their minds during those long days? What might they have questioned about Jesus?
Bible App: John 11:17-37
What does Martha’s response to Jesus’ questions indicate about her understanding of His power over death? In what way was her understanding incomplete?
Can you think of a time when God’s plans and timing turned out to be better than your own?
What are the dangers of expecting and demanding that God act according to our own understanding?
How can we ensure our understanding of Jesus’ teaching about life after death is complete?
Why did Jesus ask Martha to believe in Him before He gave her a miraculous physical reason to believe?
While Martha engaged Jesus in a theological debate, Mary fell at his feet. What is the significance of that difference? What does it indicate about the way they saw in and believed about Jesus?
Why do you think Jesus wept? Might He feel the same sorrow over the pain we experience today?
Bible App: John 11:38-44
How did Jesus involve human obedience in Lazarus’ raising from the dead? How was being raised from the dead different than an eternal resurrection—a promise to never die?
What proves Lazarus was really dead? How is this similar to the spiritual deadness all people are in before establishing a relationship with Christ? In what way do we all need a resurrection?
How can we maintain hope in God’s goodness, sovereignty, and love, even when our situations aren’t so dramatically resolved on earth? How can God be glorified as we place this trust in Him?
How does it impact you to know that the God of the universe personally identifies with your pain and hurt in this life?
What can we learn from Jesus’ example in terms of demonstrating love to those who are mourning?
How does knowing that Jesus willingly chose to suffer for us challenge us to serve others?
What, if any, limitations have you been placing on God’s ability to work in your most difficult life situations?