Faith in Christ Jesus:
2 Timothy 1:12 defines FAITH as knowing the trustworthy character and motives of Jesus, and being confident in His limitless promise-keeping ability, and consequently committing yourself entirely to His keeping. We are studying the Gospel of John, answering these questions: 1) What is revealed of Jesus’ character, motives, and abilities? 2) What is indicated that you could confidently commit to Jesus’?
Lazarus, John 11:1-54
“Tests are not for God to see how much we trust Him, but for Him to show us why and how we can trust him.”
Josh Taylor at http://photophilic.com
“Most literally He IS the resurrection and the life and this, the new teaching about the resurrection, was the object and meaning of the raising of Lazarus.”
Alfred Edersheim in “The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah”
Miracles run counter to our experience, and counter to the “facts” upon which our experience is grounded. Miracles do not happen because they cannot happen, and they cannot happen because they do not happen.
However, since we do not have ALL knowledge of ALL things, nor understanding of how ANY thing is affected by what we don’t know, we cannot rule out the existence of God or of anything He does! Miracles recorded in the Bible can only be ruled out on PHILOSOPHICAL grounds, not on evidential grounds!
At the tomb of Lazarus faith and unbelief finally meet, and part. John 11:45-50 records how that, at the raising of Lazarus, many believed on Jesus; but others concluded that Jesus MUST die! Neither can anyone be an open-minded unbeliever at the empty tomb of Jesus!
Jesus reveals (verses 25, 26) that resurrection is not a gift to believers, but it is an outcome of Himself! Where He is, resurrection also is! Death cannot endure Him or It because both are one! Jesus enters. Death evaporates! If death is defined as the cessation of life, then let Jesus (resurrection and life) be defined as the cessation of death! 1 Corinthians 15:55-56, Revelation 3:20; Where is He?
Apparently the cause of Lazarus’ death was also eliminated. Hebrews 2:14, Romans 5:21, 6:18-23.
We are not told what caused Lazarus’ death, but we are told of the purpose! John 11:15 & 40 are a shift from the cause and cure of human distresses, to the purpose and value of them! Grief is not rebuked, but hope is called for in John 11:23-27. Let it be the same for us!
Lazarus, John 11:1-54
Group One:
Read John 11:4 & 15.
What two purposes did Jesus give for the death of Lazarus? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
Do you think that makes it worth it to suffer grief, disease, or death? Why, or why not? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
How does this affect your response when I ask you to trust Jesus? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Group Two:
Read John 11: 8 – 10.
Explain why Jesus was NOT afraid to go where people wanted to kill Him! _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Read John 11:53 & 54.
Why did Jesus begin to avoid public appearances? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Are we safe while we serve? _ _ _ _ .
Are we safe until our work is finished? _ _ _ _ _.
Which is more important, being “safe” or obeying Jesus? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Our purpose from God and mission from God should determine our response to human threats.
Everyone:
What can you entrust into Jesus’ keeping, and what does “keeping” mean as it relates to this chapter and 2 Timothy 1:12? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Further Study at:
"The Fallacy of Circular Reasoning"