BIBLE CHARACTERS

Lesson #3

 

LAZARUS:

Brother, Friend, and Wonder

John 11:1-44; 12:1-2, 9-11, 17-18

Victor M. Eskew

 

Discussion Questions

 

1.   Who was Lazarus?

 

2.   What relationship did he share with Jesus and the apostles?

 

3.   Jesus said Lazarus’ sickness was not unto death, but for the glory of God (John 11:4).

 

A.   Can God still do things like this today?

 

B.   Do we have examples if we answered,”Yes,” to the previous question?

 

4.   Do you think the apostles were concerned about Jesus’ delay in going to Lazarus once He heard he was sick? (John 11:6)

 

5.   Why is death described as sleep? (John 11:11-14)

 

6.   Is the fact that Lazarus had been dead four days important?

 

7.   Both Martha and Mary admitted that Lazarus would have been alive had Jesus been present while Lazarus was sick?  What would they have thought if they knew Jesus had delayed coming for two days?

 

8.   Had Jesus raised others from the dead prior to this?  If so, why didn’t Marth think Jesus could raise Lazarus immediately?

 

9.   Why did Jesus weep? (John 11:35)

 

10.                Why did Jesus groan within Himself? (John 11:38)

 

11.                Was it necessary for Jesus to call Lazarus’ name when called him from the

tomb?

 

12.                How did Lazarus feel about being brought back from the dead?

 

13.                Six days before the Passover, Jesus was in Bethany at Martha’s home. 

Lazarus was present?  Did the effects of the miracle diminish?

 

14.                Was it difficult for Lazarus to become the center of attention after his

resurrection from the dead? (John 12:19)

 

15.                Why would the chief priests seek to kill Lazarus rather simply believing in

the Christ? (John 12:10-11)

 

16.                Why are so many people curious about matters rather than being seekers

of truth? (John 12:17-18)