MESSAGE NOTES AND INDIVIDUAL/GROUP REFLECTION QUESTIONS, 11/3/24
So, what do you believe about Jesus? We all believe something about Him. A.W. Tozer, a famous American pastor in the mid 1900s declared, “What comes into our minds when we think about Jesus is the most important thing about us.”
In week 12, we focus on John 11 and consider this question of belief: Do you believe Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life?
CONNECT
In our world, what are examples of things that God resurrects? Which of them do you take for granted and or amaze you?
REFLECT
Read John 11:1-16. Once they heard Lazarus was sick, there was confusion amongst Jesus and His disciples. What is Jesus’ agenda and why are the disciples not getting it? When it comes to his friends whom he loved, what is confusing to you about Jesus’ actions? In our own lives, how do you see similarities with the disciples in the reasons why we miss Jesus’ agenda?
Read John 11:17-38 and or watch [https://tinyurl.com/3e4p69t9]. Bethany was less than two miles away, but Jesus chose to delay. When Jesus arrives note the similar responses of Martha and Mary (vv. 21, 32). Have there been moments in your life, like Martha and Mary, when you’ve wondered where God was in the midst of loss or suffering? How did you come to terms with that void? Did it weaken or strengthen your faith? Does Jesus’ being deeply moved give you a fresh perspective about how He feels when you suffer or not?
Reflect on John 11:25-26. Up to this point, Jesus has been revealed as the Word (full expression of God), Life, Lamb of God, Messiah, Bread, Living Water, Light, I AM, Gate, Good Shepherd, Son of Man, and Son of God. Now, Jesus is declaring He is the resurrection. What did He mean back then, for now in the present and into the future?
Read John 11:39-44 and or watch [https://tinyurl.com/2f5rhnfn]. What feelings are rising up in you after you read or watch this scene? How does this story increase or hinder your belief in Jesus or initiate questions? See v.40, how else have you seen the glory of God, because you have believed in Jesus?
APPLICATION:
Without death, there can be no resurrection. We cannot experience new life in Christ until we allow our old, sinful lives to end. What do you need to let die, so that Jesus can resurrect something new in you? What prevents you from allowing Him to do this?
PRAYER: Jesus, increase my belief that you are the resurrected and may you resurrect new life in me.
RESOURCES
Gospel of John Simple Journal/Reading Plan (in lobby)
Gospel of John Overview Video [https://shorturl.at/hVyfX]