Small Group Discussion – John 11:1-44 -
Describe a time when circumstances in your life challenged your belief in Jesus. How was your faith challenged? List the characters in this passage and briefly describe their role in the story: What does Jesus say is going to be the result of Lazarus’ illness and death (v.4)? What do Mary, Martha and the crowd question about Jesus in verses 21, 32 and 37? What do you think they assume Jesus can do now Lazarus is dead? In verse 25, what do you think the importance of Jesus saying that he is "the resurrection" and "the life"? Since Jesus already knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead (vv.11 & 23), why do you think he wept (v.35)? Jesus says in verse 15 that by raising Lazarus from the dead he is going challenge his disciples’ faith. In what ways do you think their belief about who Jesus was grew? How does this story challenge your faith about who Jesus is? How can times when we question if God can work in our circumstances increase our faith and reveal God’s glory?
What are some things that have helped your faith in Jesus to grow?