Bible Study - John 11

Bible Study – John 11

Begin by checking the context of this chapter in John’s gospel. Note especially John 9.3-5, 10.27-33 and 12.23-28.

Now read John 11.1-10

Q1 What echoes of the situation in John 9 can you see? What differences are there?

Q2 Verse 6, when accurately translated, says that Jesus delayed for two days because of (not in spite of) his love for Lazarus and the sisters. How do you make sense of this?

Q3 What are the implications of Jesus’s decision to return to Judea? Are the disciples’ fears justified?

Now read John 11.11-28

Q4 How much did the disciples understand what was happening at this stage? What motivated the high level of commitment expressed here? (verses 15-16)

Q5 In verses 22 to 27, what progress does Martha make in faith and understanding?

Now read John 11.29-53

Q6 How do you feel about the expressions of the depth of Jesus’s feelings in these verses (especially 33-38)? Is there a contradiction when compared to the confidence of his statements in verses like 11, 26, 40 and 42?

Q7 How aware do you think Jesus was of his own approaching death? Is it helpful to see the events of this chapter as a preparation or rehearsal for what is about to happen?

Q8 The raising of Lazarus is considered the last of the seven “signs” in John’s gospel. How does it relate to the other signs and to passages like Isaiah 25.7-9 and Revelation 21.3-5?

Q9 How do you explain the differing reactions to Jesus’s raising of Lazarus? What do these verses say about the purpose and scope of the gospel? (it might be helpful to look back to the prologue, John 1.1-18)

Q10 If you were trying to explain the gospel to a non-christian friend, would John 11 be a useful chapter to refer to, or would you avoid it?