Daily Study Guide

The daily study guide is based on the scripture lesson from Sunday's worship, and is provided to help you delve deeper into the scritpure and to apply it to your life. It may also be used by small groups to prompt conversation. You can find the scriptures online at www.Biblegateway.com

Monday

Read John 11:1-6. The story of Mary referred to is found in John 12:3. Mary’s anointing is linked to the preparation of Jesus’ body for burial, and so this reference links the Lazarus story to Jesus’ death. This is further emphasized when Jesus speaks of his glorification in vs 4. In the gospel of John, Jesus glorification is his death, resurrection and ascension, so this miracle of new life will somehow lead to Jesus’ death. Jesus moves forward, though, because of his love for the family. Have you ever taken a path that you knew would lead to your own pain because you knew it would bring goodness to someone else? What kind of love would an act like that require?

Tuesday

Read John 11:7-16. The disciples know that Jesus is walking into a dangerous situation, but they are confused by his wordplay in these verses. Jesus knows that Lazarus has died, but his disciples take his euphemism “fallen asleep” literally, and do not want Jesus to risk his life unnecessarily. Thomas is the one who finally says that they should follow Jesus, even if it means they will die as well. Imagine for a moment that you are a disciple in this scene. What are your thoughts and feelings right now? How would you have replied to Thomas? As a disciple today, what risks are you taking to follow Jesus?

Wednesday

Read John 11:17-27. In Jesus’ dialogue with Martha we find the theological core of both this story and the gospel of John. Their conversation begins with Martha’s complaint to Jesus. Her complaint is not a sign of lack of faith or piety, but rather is grounded in her religious tradition. Throughout the Psalms we hear God’s faithful offering complaint to God (Psalms 13, 22). God desires to hear not only our praise, but also our deepest hurts and frustrations. Her complaint is followed by a confident statement of faith, and Jesus uses this to reveal again who he is and what is his mission. Jesus is the resurrections and the life. For those who believe, both life and death are transformed. Martha then states her faith in Jesus in the form of a formal confession, “I believe…” Compare this with the language of our own religious confessions, such as the Apostle’s Creed: “I believe in God the Father…” That Martha is given credit for this formal religious confession gives her the same status as other apostles. If you were to write your own confession of faith or belief in Jesus, what would you include?

Thursday

Read John 11:28-37. Mary’s discourse with Jesus starts off much like Martha’s, but is quickly interrupted by the other mourners, “the Jews.” (Remember that in John “the Jews” refers to an isolated group that was opposed to Jesus, not Jews in general). Jesus reaction to their weeping is difficult to understand. The NIV translates it as “deeply moved” and “troubled,” but the Greek words here actually denote anger and frustration. Scholars do not agree about the reason for Jesus’ anger. What do you think would have motivated his anger here? Jesus then weeps. The crowd interprets his tears as a sign of his love for Lazarus, but since they are portrayed as the ones who never understand Jesus, this is probably not accurate. Looking at the story as a whole and at what directly precedes his tears, what do you think may be the reason for his weeping?

Friday

Read John 11:38-44. Jesus begins the miracle with a confident prayer of thanksgiving. What does this prayer reveal about Jesus and about God the Father? The culmination of the story, the miracle itself, is a very small part of the narrative, but it is the key event. Nothing Jesus said about himself preceding this would have mattered without his bringing forth life from death. Do you really believe that this miracle could have happened? Do you believe that the supernatural power of God is still a possibility today? What is one area of your life or the life of the church that you believe is hopelessly lifeless, but from which Jesus can call forth life?