Our study and discussion for Sunday, October 4, 2016, will be John 11:1-56. This is the account of the family of Lazarus, his sisters, Mary and Martha, and their close friend, Jesus. This family lived in Bethany, a city that was 2 miles from Jerusalem. Jesus was a frequent visitor in their home. Mary and Martha notified Jesus that their brother, Lazarus was sick and that they needed Jesus to come.
As we continue reading in John's account of this story, we are told that Lazarus dies before Jesus comes to Bethany. When Jesus does come to the home of Mary and Martha, he is met by the sisters and he is immediately moved by their grief. Jesus shows his human emotion by weeping.
He goes to the tomb of Lazarus with the sisters, friends, and his disciples. By this time, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Jesus asked that the stone of the tomb to be rolled away and then he calls Lazarus to come forth. Lazarus came out of the tomb in his grave clothing. Jesus commanded them, "loose him and let him go".
Before Jesus went to the grave he talked with Martha. The key verses are John 11:25-26, where Jesus gives answers to Martha about the death and life of her brother.
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
As we study this chapter, and reflect on this event, we can all identify with these feelings, emotions, grief, comfort, and hope that comes when a loved one of ours dies. So as you have been preparing your lesson this week, I pray that as you see the sadness in this event that you also experienced the hope that we have as believers.
Please read pages 56-58 in Shepherd's Notes and answer the questions on page 58.
Also read the following passages regarding that death is often referred to as sleep:
Genesis 47:30; Matt 27:52; I Thess 4: 13 -18
We will also discuss the following topics:
1. Customs and burial rituals of that time period
2. Grave site was usually a tomb - how was this tomb designed?
3. Read the following accounts regarding people being raised from the dead:
"The raising of Jairus' daughter: Matt 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56
"The raising of the widow's son at Nain: Luke 7:11-16
How do these resurrections differ from the raising of Lazarus?
4. As important as the event of the raising Lazarus from the dead is, why is John the only gospel writer who records this event?
5. Caiaphas, the Jewish High Priest makes an interesting observation and comment: John 11:47-53.
Read these verses and determine the message.
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