Thomas - John 11:1-16

LESSON NOTES AND QUESTIONS

Summary: The passage in John 11:1–16 tells the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, showcasing the relationship between loyalty to Jesus and hopeful expectation. The teaching of this sermon is centered on the importance of maintaining hopeful expectation in our loyalty to Jesus, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Application: This passage teaches us that loyalty to Jesus does not require us to be dejected (in despair), but rather to have hope and faith in His power to bring about miracles in our lives. Through the story of Lazarus, we are reminded to maintain hopeful expectation in our loyalty to Jesus, trusting in His power to bring about miracles in our lives and ultimately conquer sin and death.

Background on Disciple: Nicknamed "Doubting Thomas," he was also known as Didymus, which means "the twin" (although the identity of the twin is not revealed in Scripture). John’s Gospel provides more information about Thomas than simply naming him with the other disciples. Based upon Thomas’ responses, scholars have characterized him as a negative, pessimistic, and anxious worrywart. Interestingly, in this story, we see that despite Thomas’ pessimistic and "Eeyore"-type statement ("Let us also go, so that we may die with Him"), Thomas showed extreme loyalty to Christ. Despite being loyal and committed to Christ, Thomas had his doubts. He was the disciple who proclaimed he would only believe if he saw and touched the nail-pierced hands of Jesus.

1. Love Initiates Loyalty

John 11:1-5

Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were friends of Jesus. Jesus' love for Lazarus and his sisters underpins the whole story. Loyalty to Jesus is rooted in His first loving us. This love invites us to remain hopeful, even when circumstances seem dire.

QUESTION:

• In what ways have you seen Jesus' love impacting your loyalty and faith?

2. Timing Tests Trust

John 11:6-10

The sisters assumed that Jesus would immediately come to heal Lazarus. Yet, Jesus did not go immediately—He was waiting for His Father’s perfect timing. Jesus' decision to stay two more days highlights the fact that our timing isn't always God's timing. This teaches patience and trust in Jesus' plans, encouraging believers to hold onto their hope and loyalty even when divine intervention isn't immediate.

QUESTION:

• How have you struggled with God’s timing? How did that struggle with understanding God's timing help you in trusting Him more today?
• When has God not met your expectations, but hindsight let you see that His timing and His plan were better than what you wanted or expected?

3. Hope Highlights Victory

John 11:11-16

Jesus calls Lazarus His friend, which has special significance in the Bible. The word "friend" in Greek shares the root *philo* (from *phileo*, referring to fondness and warm affection between close friends). Abraham was called a friend of God due to his obedience and close communion with God. Jesus tells the disciples that His friend Lazarus has "fallen asleep" and that He will go awaken him. The Greek word Jesus uses for "fallen asleep" (*κοιμάω*, pronounced *koimaō*) was often used metaphorically to mean "to die." Yet, the disciples thought Jesus meant Lazarus was just sleeping, as Jesus did not use the word *hypnos* for literal sleep. Jesus emphasized in verse 14 that Lazarus had died. This section serves as a powerful reminder of the resurrection hope at the heart of our loyalty to Jesus, emphasizing that our hope is not in vain but rooted in His victory over death.

QUESTION:

• When have you been challenged to hope instead of hang your head in defeat?
• What is a current challenge in your life where you need to cling to that hope?