Easter Exclamations – “Let’s Go Die”
Discussion Guide
April 1/2, 2017
Ice Breaker:
In the start of the message doug shared from phrases that have become code for remembering people, places and events for Doug and Lorri. Can you think of any from your own life?
When you heard the title of the message, “Let’s go die” – what did you anticipate the message would be about?
What is the closest you feel you’ve ever come to dying? Tell your story.
Digging in…
Read John 11 Playing the “STOP” game
Allow the group to yell “STOP” at any point of the reading if they hear something confusing, wonderful, or disturbing to them. Have them explain why they yelled “Stop” and discuss the matter or question as a group.
Why do you think Jesus waited for two days before going to see about his friend Lazarus?
Why is Thomas exclamation of “Let’s go and die with Him” surprising?
Do you think all the disciples felt the same way?
Why is it the mark of loyalty, but not necessarily of theological understanding? (this is particularly true in Thomas’ case)
Do you think followers of Jesus are called to have a “Die with Him” attitude?
What does that look like in our lives?
Why do you think Mary held back from waiting for Jesus like Martha did?
What do you think Mary was feeling when she told Jesus “if you would have been here my brother would be alive”?
Was it cruel of Jesus to play this miracle out post-mortem rather than just cure his illness? Why and why not?
Does it disturb you? Are there implications of what God will allow his followers to face for a greater outcome?
What do you think happened to Jesus popularity after this miracle? Do you think if someone did it today the reaction would be similar?
This is the final “sign-miracle” that John writes of before the death and resurrection of Jesus. What do you think a “sign-miracle” is?
Why would Jesus’ growing popularity be a threat to Israel? …to the religious system and its leaders?
Explain the meaning of Caiaphas’s prophesy: what was he trying to say? What did God use him to say? How does John (the writer) expand on it?
Doug talked about 4 important things that could come out of this message:
Knowing the time-line and Lazarus’ place in it.
The Example of Thomas
We are all Mary and Martha.
We are all Lazarus.
What does each mean and which one spoke/speaks to you the most?
What resolve comes from this discussion (account in the Bible)?
Take time to pray for each other…
Ask if there is a Thomas moment anyone is facing (something that God is calling you towards, but you aren’t so sure is a good idea) .
Ask if anyone is caught in the grief of something God allowed in your life.
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