warm-up

What was the last competition or game you watched? What did you like about it, and how did you feel while watching it?

Recall a time you were surprised, in a good way, by someone you love. What happened?

Were you ever in a situation where you received more than what you expected? Share what happened.

word

25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, ²⁶and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25,26

(Read also John 11.)

In John 11, Jesus was talking to Martha after her brother, Lazarus, had died. Jesus told Martha that He is the resurrection and the life, and that those who believe in Him shall never die. He also performed one of the greatest miracles of all time: he raised Lazarus from the dead. By proclaiming that He is the resurrection and the life, Jesus was declaring His challenge to and victory over death in one statement. In this lesson, we will look at how Jesus challenged death, promised resurrection, and guaranteed our redemption.

1
Death

³⁸Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. ³⁹Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” John 11:38,39

The cave Lazarus was placed in was so large that no one person could roll away the stone by himself, and no one imagined they would have to take it away anyway. Death is natural, but that’s not how the story ended here for Lazarus. In the same way, there is a spiritual parallel. Romans tells us that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Death is justice served for our sinfulness. Dead, deep in a cave with a stone too large to move—that is how far we are separated from God by our sin. This is what we deserve. What does Romans 3:23 tell us about sin and death?

2
Resurrection

⁴³When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” ⁴⁴The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:43,44

Lazarus, separated from life by death and a stone-blocked tomb, was called out of his grave by his name and a command: come out. Before Jesus called Lazarus out, he is twice described as deeply moved. Visually, it was like Jesus was trembling with indignation. When Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life, He was declaring His power over death itself. How does the resurrection of Lazarus show us what Jesus wants to do for us as well? How has He saved you from sin and death?

3
Redemption

⁵⁰”Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” ⁵¹He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, ⁵²and not for the nation only . . . John 11:50-52

If Jesus had resurrected Lazarus and stopped there, Lazarus would have just died again. However, Jesus wanted to save all who believed in Him. He paid the price for our sins, He died in our place, and He redeemed us. Just as He saved Lazarus from a physical and spiritual death, He offers the same for us. What does it mean to be with God for eternity? How does this give you hope?

application

Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life? How will this truth affect your life? What’s one thing you will do differently, starting this week?

What are some “stones” in your life you feel are separating you from a closer relationship with Jesus? How can you surrender these stones to Him today? How can you grow deeper in your relationship with Him every day?

How has Jesus’ sacrifice changed you? To whom can you preach the gospel this week?

prayer

Thank God for His gift of eternal life through Jesus. Thank Him for redeeming us on the cross and saving us.

Ask God to help you hear His voice with greater clarity. Pray for a deeper relationship with Him as you seek Him, read your Bible, and pray every day.

Pray that you will share the truth of the gospel to your family and friends this week.

© 2017 by VICTORY®
All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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