Greetings! Below you will find questions which reference the sermon preached on Sunday, June 22nd, 2014 at The Park. This week we studied Chapter 11:1-44. Have someone in your group read this section of scripture.
Each week new questions are posted to track along with the sermons. Work hard to facilitate discussion. Listen to the hearts around the room and close with prayer.
Intro to Gospel of John:
This Gospel is unique with regard to the 4 first-hand accounts of the life of Jesus. It was likely the last of the 4 written and focuses much of it’s view on the deity of Jesus. Like today, the question of Jesus’ nature and source of power is constantly being debated and the heart of John’s gospel is to give us a clear, concise, unashamed view of the Son of God. It is here in John that Jesus makes claims like, “I am the Bread of Life”, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, and “I am the Light of the world”. Reading the Gospel of John will provide you with an exalted view of Jesus as God in the flesh, sent to proclaim the good news.
[hr]
- What are some observations you had from this section of scripture?
- Were there any new insights you learned about the passage from the sermon?
- What did you learn about God from reading this section of scripture?
- At this point in Jesus’ life, the disciples showed excellent loyalty. They figured they would die with Jesus if they went back to Lazarus and yet the disciples stayed with Christ. What motivated/fueled the disciples’ loyalty to Jesus? What about for you? What are you holding on to that may be keeping you from absolute loyalty to God?
- Mary and Martha both believed Jesus could’ve healed their brother prior to his death, but didn’t realize it was possible after the death. In what ways do we limit God in His limitless abilities?
-
How can we gain such a view of God that we truly believe nothing is impossible with Him?
- In the midst of difficulties, how can we be reminded of God love and compassion for us?
- What can we learn about Jesus’ lifestyle in this passage? Were His actions motivated by compassion or need, obligation or love, fear or confidence?
- How much of Lazarus’ situation was cause by God? If God was
uniquely glorified through Lazarus’ death, did He kill him (see Ex
9:16)? - In what ways have you experienced death in your life only to have
God show up in a mighty way? What was Jesus trying to accomplish with
those that were present in chapter 11? - Read verses 11:45-48. What are the two reactions to seeing Jesus
preform this miracle? Also note, no one tried to discredit the
miracle, why do you think that was? How do we see these two reaction
play out today in response to works of God? What was the driving
emotions behind both reactions?