In Jesus we get to have a relationship with the perfect friend.
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SERMON NOTES:
John 11:1-57
In Jesus we get to have a relationship with the perfect friend.
Jesus is an intentional friend. (1-16)
Jesus is a compassionate friend. (17-37)
Jesus is a powerful friend. (38-44)
Jesus is a sacrificial friend. (45-57)
study questions:
1. Read verses 1-16. What was the dilemma or challenging situation that Jesus faced, and why was this a very personal issue for Jesus? Why were the disciples reluctant to go back to Judea (region where Jerusalem is located)? What was the disciple’s attitude as they faced the reality of their return to Judea? What would your attitude have been like if you were a disciple in this situation?
2. Read verses 17-37. What did Jesus find when he arrived in Bethany? What happened during Jesus’ interaction with Martha, and what was Jesus’ point in verses 25-26? What happened during Jesus’ interaction with Mary? How would you describe Jesus’ response to Mary’s grief? What do you learn about Jesus in these verses?
3. Read verses 38-45. What happened between Jesus and Martha, and what was Jesus teaching Martha? What process did Jesus go through to raise Lazarus from the dead? What do you think it would have looked like, smelled like and felt like to be there when Lazarus was raised from the dead? What do you learn about Jesus from these verses?
4. Read verses 45-57. How did the Jews respond to this sign? How did the chief priests and Pharisees respond? How did Caiaphas respond? What did Jesus do in response to the attitudes and actions of these Jewish leaders? Why do you think John makes a point to let us know how Jesus responded and how many of the Jews were responding in verses 54-57?
5. So what? What does this incredible sign teach us about Jesus? How does this knowledge about Jesus affect your relationship with Him? How does this knowledge affect the way you live your life?