"Problems are opportunities in disguise." (John Adams) Jesus has amazing timing when it comes to problems. He knows what he’s doing! Jesus says another statement that will grip hearts and change lives. Life is always personal with Jesus, always on purpose, and always proven. Only Jesus could say this kind of thing and then prove it. What happens when you start believing Jesus? You start living.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Y - Yield
Sunday's Message Text: John 11
Bible Plan Reading - Week 42
START IT.
We are currently in a teaching series, I AM: Jesus In His Own Words, focused on meeting Jesus in the book of John. From Sunday's message in John 11 or the Meet Jesus Bible Reading Plan this week, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
SHARE IT.
Why do you think Jesus uses the story of Lazarus in John 11 to say "I am the resurrection and the life"? What about life is so fragile and so important to Jesus?
From John 11:1-12, what details show us that life is always personal with Jesus? How does that encourage you to know Jesus is personal and not indifferent?
From John 11:11-15, what is Jesus' purpose? What was his response to those with him?
What did Jesus declare in John 11:25-26? What was Jesus claiming that no one else can do? How does this statement change the direction of one's life?
What did Jesus prove in John 11:38-44? What details tell us that Lazarus was really dead? How did Jesus respond to his death before and after the tomb was emptied?
SHOW IT.
Who do you connect with in John 11? Think about all the characters.
Do you believe the story of Lazarus is meant to foreshadow the gospel: death, tomb, and resurrection of Jesus? Why or why not?
Have you recently taken a moment to consider how fragile life is? What did that do to you?
Is your response to God's timing like Martha and Mary "if you had ______"? What do you need in order to trust God's timing?
What are you believing about Jesus right now for your life and death?
FINAL THOUGHT
New life begins at a tomb…that’s been emptied. Someone had to die in order for resurrection to happen. With Jesus, death is overcome at God’s Word. At the invite of Jesus, life comes forth! The grave has to give up its prisoner…and notice it’s one name at a time. Every name matters to Jesus ("Lazarus, come forth"), including yours. Take a moment to thank Jesus that he knows you by name.
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