Bible Text: John 11:11-45 | Preacher: Pastor Rob Burke | Series: Easter

Message Notes

Thomas, a man who DOUBTS

… the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  – John 20:25
1 Corinthians 15:3-6
The reason Joseph was worried about Mary’s pregnancy was not because he didn’t know where babies come from, but because he did. It’s the same with the resurrection of Jesus. People in the ancient world were incredulous when faced with the Christian claim, because they knew perfectly well that when people die they stay dead.” – CS Lewis

Mary, a women who is DISCOURAGED
Martha, a women who QUESTIONS God

“Lord, the one you love is sick.” – John 11:3

Jesus, who came for the one he loved

John 11:35
John 11:22-33

Life Group Questions
Opening Question:

What was one highlight for you this Easter?

Digging Deeper: 

Look at John 11:1-6. Put yourselves in the place of Mary and Martha as they sent word to Jesus and then waited and watched their beloved brother die…. What were their hopes? Expectations? Emotions? Questions? What questions might you have had?
What is the ultimate reason that Jesus is bringing Lazarus back to life? Why is this stressed several times throughout this passage?

Life Application:

Have you ever felt that God has forgotten about you and your needs or in troubled times? What did you do about it?  How would you encourage someone who feels that God has forgotten his or her needs?
Knowing that God has infinite resources and far more understanding and creativity than man, how should this affect our prayer life and how we approach God? Is it foolish to pray for a specific type of intervention?
What does it mean to be spiritually dead? How do we come alive in Christ?
What did Jesus mean by: “I am the Resurrection and the Life”? (John 11:25). How does that statement apply to our lives today?
Why do you think Jesus wept? (John 11:35) Did he not know what he was about to do? What does his weeping tell you about Jesus?
How does the story of Lazarus’ resurrection give you hope? How can you share that hope with others?

Spend time praying for each other.