1. The Gospel of John contains valuable information that will help us to grow in the knowledge of Christ as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. In this lesson we are turning our attention to John 11. 3. Previously, we have observed how Jesus revealed key information about His identity when He stated: a. "I am the bread of life" (6:35) b. "I am the light of the world" (8:12) c. "Before Abraham was, I am" (8:58) d. "I am the door of the sheep" (10:7) e. "I am the good shepherd" (10:11). 4. In ch.11 Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life" (vs.25). 5. We have also examined the Lord's miracles recorded in John that lead us to believe that He is God's Son (20:30-31), including: a. turning water into wine (2:1-11) b. healing the nobleman's son (4:46-54) c. healing the lame man (5:1-9) d. feeding the 5,000 (6:1-14) e. walking on water (6:16-21) f. healing the blind man (9:1-7). 6. In ch.11 Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. a. In addition to Lazarus, Jesus raised: 1) a widow's son (Luke 7:11-16) 2) Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:41-56). b. Other servants of God raised the dead, including: 1) Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-24) 2) Elisha (2 Kings 4:18-37) 3) Peter (Acts 9:36-42) 4) Paul (Acts 20:7-12). 7. In this lesson we are studying the introductory information revealed in John 11:1-19. Discussion: I. (John 11:1-2) LAZARUS WAS SICK
A. Lazarus was from Bethany, located near Jerusalem. B. Mary and Martha were his sisters. C. Mary placed ointment on the Lord (ch.12). II. (John 11:3-6) JESUS LEARNED THAT LAZARUS WAS SICK
A. Jesus loved this family. B. Jesus saw this sickness as a means whereby God would be glorified. C. After learning that Lazarus was sick, Jesus remained where He was 2 days. D. Keep in mind that the Jews had attempted to kill Jesus in Jerusalem (10:31, 39), so He went to the area where John had baptized (10:40). III. (John 11:7-19) JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES WENT TO BETHANY
A. The disciples questioned the Lord's decision to return to Judea. B. The disciples did not understand the Lord's purpose for going to Bethany. C. When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been in the grave 4 days. D. A number of the Jews were present, offering comfort to Martha and Mary.
