MISSION GROUP QUESTIONS FROM JOHN: 7 Words + 7 Signs - 31/1/10

To end our series in the gospel of John we looked at the 7th sign - the raising of Lazarus from the dead

In this sign Jesus is dealing with the greatest problem mankind faces - death! And not just any death, but an early and unexpected death of a friend/beloved brother. The story is full of emotion and focusses primarily on Jesus’ interaction with Mary and Martha.

Jesus had deliberately delayed his coming (vs1-4) and therefore arrived 4 days late (vs17) so it is not surprising that the question on the lips of both Martha and Mary is “Lord if you had been here my brother would not have died” (vs21 + 32). However what is interesting about the story is that Martha went to meet Jesus but Mary stayed by the tomb. Why did Mary not immediately go to meet Jesus? It is surely because she is not ready to face Jesus and to ask him “why are you delayed…you if you had been here my brother would not have died.” For her, the suffering and pain she was experiencing was hard enough, talking to Jesus would only make it harder because her grief would turn into anger. Dealing with the suffering is hard enough but dealing with the fact that Jesus could have done something about it but didn’t only makes things worse. If she avoids Jesus, she avoids further pain! However Martha goes back to the tomb to take Mary to meet Jesus (vs28).

Whereas Jesus had given Martha the truth that would bring her hope (vs28), Jesus deals with Mary by giving her anger and tears. Anger at death and the devastation that it has caused and tears of comfort for Mary. Jesus weeps with those who weep and mourns with those who mourn.

But then the story continues and Jesus spectacularly raises Lazarus from the dead in front of the watching crowd. What is surprising is that we do not know how the sisters respond (the crowds are divided). However the next thing we read in John’s gospel (chapter 12) is that a few days later Jesus is back in Bethany and a dinner is held in his honour. Lazarus is reclining at the table with him while Mary and Martha serve. Half-way through the meal Mary pours an expensive pint of perfume on the feet of Jesus and wipes his feet with her hair - it is the greatest expression of love and devotion found in the gospels (cf Luke 7.36ff). What is intriguing is that John gave us the details of Mary before the whole episode began (vs3). He wanted us to have the benefit of hindsight. Why? So that as we read the story, as we feel the pain, as we appreciate the and and questions, we realise that it all eventually led to greater intimacy with and adoration for Jesus. Through the pain and the suffering Mary had seen the glory of God more than she had before - she knew the warm, the comfort, the righteousness, the power and the closeness of Jesus like never before…..and it was only through the suffering that she draws closer to Jesus.

Application and Reflection

(1) Retell the story to each other - from chapter 11.1-12.11 (using bibles if you need to). What does the story teach you about Jesus? How do you relate to the story? How does the story encourage or challenge you? What is one thing you can take away from the story and apply this week?

(2) How does this story prepare you for suffering and death?

(3) When and why do you find yourself wanting to avoid talking to Jesus about your pain because it only makes it harder for you? What happens if your suppress those emotions and questions? How does this story help you? Where do you need to listen to ‘the Martha’ in your life?

(4) Share stories and experiences of when suffering has brought you closer to God. Thank God that in all situations he is able to work for the good of those who love him (Romans 8.28).

(5) Where do you want to see Jesus’ resurrection power in your life? Pray for him to work powerfully!

(6) Pray for each other and those you know who are suffering or who have lost loved ones. Pray that they know the truth and tears of Jesus.