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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:

Journeying with John; The Resurrection and the Life

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

[Reading above - John 11: 17-27]

The story of the raising of Lazarus is the climactic sign of Jesus’ purpose and identity. This sign immediately precedes Jesus entry into Jerusalem for the events that lead to Jesus’ own death and resurrection. Ironically, the resurrection of Lazarus dooms Jesus to execution. The story explores themes such as: Jesus’ purpose of glorifying God; Jesus as the source of life and resurrection; the expectations others have of Jesus; the role of grief in the face of loss; and the meaning of faith when hope falters.

Questions for Reflection:

• Jesus’ decision to delay in responding to the request for help from Mary and Martha is explained in verse 15 as for the benefit of the faith of the disciples. The cost of this decision included additional suffering and ultimately death for Lazarus and the terrible sadness and disappointment of Mary and Martha. Do you consider the benefits of this decision to have outweighed the costs?

• How would you describe the emotions of Martha and Mary as they approach Jesus with the comment: “If you were here our brother would not have died”? Do you ever ask Christ why he didn’t show up and spare you from pain or sadness?

• How do you understand Jesus’ proclamation: “I am the resurrection and the life”? How does Jesus confer life in a way that overcomes death? What is your hope for life after death?

• Why does Jesus weep (verse 35) knowing he will soon resurrect the lifeless body of Lazarus? Why do we weep in the face of death when we trust the resurrection and the life?

• Who do you most relate to in this story and why?

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