I am the Resurrection and the Life

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’” (John 11:25)

Jesus is more wise than we thought (John 11:1-16)

• Jesus’ insight into Lazarus’ sickness and death
  Jesus shows that our everyday lives have significance and purpose A revelation of the wisdom of Jesus

Jesus is more loving than we thought (11:17-37)

• Jesus’ encounter with Martha and Mary
  Jesus shows that we are not alone in our griefs and suffering A revelation of the love of Jesus

Jesus is more powerful than we thought (11:38-44)

• Jesus’ miraculous work in raising Lazarus
  Jesus shows that death is not our ultimate enemy A revelation of the power of Jesus

Jesus is more good than we thought (11:43-44)

• Jesus’ deliverance of Lazarus after death
  Jesus shows that there is life after death – new beginnings A revelation of the goodness of Jesus

1. What is one of your best memories of Easter in your life? What happened? Why is it so important?
2. This weekend we begin a new preaching series, “I AM: Seven Identity Markers of Jesus,” based in Jesus’ statements from the Gospel of John. This week we look at Jesus statement, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read John 11:1-45 aloud.
3. What stands out to you from Jesus’ interaction with His disciples in verses 1-16?
4. According to Jesus in verse 4, what is the purpose of Lazarus’ sickness?
5. As Jesus draws close to Bethany, where Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary, reside, he first encounters Martha in verses 17-27. What does Martha believe about Lazarus and resurrection according to verses 21-24?
6. How does Jesus reframe Martha’s understanding of resurrection in verses 25-27?
7. Why do you think Jesus’ interaction with Martha reveals for us today?
8. Next, Jesus encounters Martha’s sister, Mary, in verses 28-35. Mary says something very similar to Martha (compare verses 21 and 27), but also exhibits a lot of emotion. What do you think it means that Jesus was “deeply moved in spirit and troubled” (11:33)?
9. Verse 35 is the shortest verse in the Bible but communicates a lot. What does it communicate to you about who Jesus is, and what Jesus shows us about God?
10. Verses 38-45 brings us Jesus’ interaction with Lazarus, who is dead. What do you find strange about Jesus’ requests of the people in verses 39-41?
11. How does Jesus’ miraculous action explain the claim He made in verse 25?
12. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
13. What is one thing God is revealing to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.

• Memorize John 11:25
• Draw, ink, or paint the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from death as recorded in John 11.
• As you do that, let God speak to you about what Jesus and His resurrection means to you. Pay attention to what God draws to the surface as. When you finish, consider sharing your prayer reflections and/or artistry with a friend.
• Reach out to a friend to talk about Jesus. Maybe you could ask them what Jesus means to them. Maybe you could share your own story about what Jesus means to you.
• Read one of the following:
  • Francis Spufford, Unapologetic: Why, Despite Everything, Christianity Can Still Make Surprising Emotional Sense
  • N. T. Wright, Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters