Session 5: I AM the Resurrection and the Life – John 11:1-44

This post is part of an 8-part series from the book of John. The study looks at Jesus’s ‘I AM’ passages from John and passages in the Old Testament which echo the heart of the message of Jesus and reveal the way in which the Old Testament has reflected the name. They open with introductory questions, reading the passage, and then some observation and interpretation questions follow. The sessions end with personal application questions. Please feel free to share an application response or comment on the study itself in the section below.

Introduction

Share about any dreams or relationships that have died away or need a breath of fresh air. How have you felt about this ‘dead’ status of these dreams and relationships?

What makes a life worth living?

Reading Questions

Who was the audience in verse 25, when Jesus says, ‘I am the resurrection and the life’? Why would this be significant?

What hints does Jesus give through the passage about his intention to resurrect Lazarus?

What are the main ideas of the short prayer before Jesus calls Lazarus from the grave (verses 41-42)?

What do Mary and Martha say to Jesus about his power? How does Jesus respond?

What characteristics of the Christian walk do Martha and Mary show in this passage?

Old Testament Links

Read Ezekiel 37:1-14, the passage titled ‘The Valley of Dry Bones’ and discuss the following questions in relation to the John 11 passage:

What is the condition of the bodies in the valley? And that of Lazarus?

List some similarities and differences in the responses of Ezekiel to God and the sisters to Jesus.

When do the bones come alive? When does Lazarus come alive?

What do these passages say of the power of God?

The Bibles tells of many people who have been given a new life through his power. For example, we have Noah who is saved from the flood and Daniel kept from the lions. Consider others and discuss how they were delivered from harm and/or difficult situations.

Application

The bones in the valley not only animated physically, but the breath from four winds was also put in them. In John, Lazarus needed help to remove the graveclothes. How could these parallel what happens in our own lies in resurrecting life, dreams, and relationships?

Share praise stories of your own deliverance from harm and difficult situations.

Share and pray about the resurrections that God has put on your heart.