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DAY FOUR
- Read John 11:1-46 in one sitting. As you read, mark each reference to time and affection.
- Read John 11:4, 11, 14, 15. What kind of response would you have if Jesus spoke these words to you?
- Read John 11:17-29, and explain who was doing what in these verses. (key verses: 22, 27)
Verse 17:
Verses 18-19:
Verse 20-22:
Verse 23:
Verse 24:
Verses 25-26:
Verse 27:
Verses 28-29:
Martha shared intimately with her best friend, Jesus. He met her just where she was. Grief, sorrow, and comfort were exchanged between them. Jesus asked her the all important question, and she responded with "yes LORD, I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." (v.27) Martha was solid in her belief and testified to her LORD. She confirmed her faith (belief) in Jesus, then ran to get her sister Mary.
- Read verses 30-37. Did Jesus feel sorrow? Did He experience love?
- Read verses 38-45. For a brief moment, Martha hesitated in the human way by exclaiming to Jesus that Lazarus was already decomposing. What did Jesus say to her? (v.40)
- Read Romans 4:16-25. Explain why Jesus knew Lazarus would rise again. (key verses: 11:4, 11, 15)
- What does John say about the cause or purpose of Lazarus' death and resurrection? (vv.4, 40)
Jesus did not need to speak a word. He and His Father are one. He only used words for us to know His power, love, care, mercy, and grace upon us. Lazarus was Jesus' friend. Mary and Martha were like His sisters. They were useful to the kingdom in many ways. In this story, God used their witness of believing to point perfectly to Jesus as the Son of God. Lazarus was raised from physical death by Jesus, and he lived to share about his remarkable experience with others. Martha's faith was forever strengthened by the demonstration of Jesus her LORD. By her faith, Martha was instrumental in aiding the witness of Jesus to the world, and Mary was also a worthy eyewitness to God's glory.
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
- Jesus understands sorrow because He experienced it. Can You trust Him with your sorrow today?
- We all need reminders of the times our Lord has answered our desperate calls for help. Write about a time when God answered your cry to Him in an unexpected way. How does that memory encourage you today?
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