This message will explore the second of two types of tears we see in Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, the tears of frustration. Through these tears we see our God’s frustration over the impact of sin and death on human experience that was made for more.
John 11:1-44
Sermon Outline
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Jesus said, ‘Your brother will rise again.’” (John 11:21-23)
Frustration in John 11
- Disciples (John 11:6-16)
- Mary and Martha (John 11:21-32)
- Jesus (John 11:35)
People in the Bible who cried tears of frustration
- Hannah, Samuel’s mother (1 Samuel 1:10)
- Job
- God Himself, as shown in books of Isaiah and Jeremiah
3 truths we can learn about Jesus from John 11
- Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead all along
- God was glorified through the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:4)
- God’s planning and timing transcends human understanding
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- If you are responding to these questions in a small group setting, take some time to pray together and ask God to show you things He wants you to know. If responding to these questions by yourself, take time to be silent before God and ask Him to reveal Himself to you.
- Watch the episode from The Chosen about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Take note of anything you notice. (To watch for free, go to chosen.tv, season 4, Episode 7)
- When was a time you were frustrated? How did it feel? What was moving on from that frustration like?
- Read John 11:1-16. Why do you think Jesus waited two days before making the journey to Mary and Martha?
- Read verse 9. What do you think Jesus means by this?
- Read John 11:17-27. What stands out to you?
- Jesus knew from the beginning He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Why was it important for Jesus to mourn Lazarus’ death?
- Put yourself in the scene of Lazarus coming back to life. How would you have responded?
- What does it mean or look like for you to bring your frustrations to God? Are there any frustrations you have been holding back from telling God? Take a moment now in prayer to talk to God about these things.
- Look back on this story from John 11. How do you see Jesus’ compassion present, and how do you see Jesus’ frustration present? What do you think Jesus is frustrated at?
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith:
- What frustrations have you had in the last week? Name them without shame or judgment.
- What attribute of Jesus stood out to you most in John 11?
Growing in Faith
- Read John 11 in a different translation of the Bible this week (i.e. NASB, The Message, ESV). What differences in translation do you notice?
- What would it look like this week for you to explore what is underneath your frustrations?
Centered in Faith
- Who is someone in your life that you can share the story of John 11 with this week?
- How can you model letting go of frustration to others around you?
- In letting go of frustration, what is something the Spirit is asking you to replace it with?