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Bible Study for the Fifth Sunday in Lent - March 26th |
Read John 11:1-45
Grief often clouds reasoned thinking. Emotions can be overwhelming at the same time our mind tries desperately to bring order to the unsettling reality and finality of death. Understanding death is beyond our human grasp, especially when it comes prematurely to those we love.
In this text, Martha and Mary grapple with the tardiness of Jesus. Word had been sent to him about the illness of Lazarus, but Jesus did not drop everything to come to their beloved brother. It made no sense to the sisters of Lazarus. Jesus healed so many, but why not help their brother?
Martha believes in the resurrection and the promise of new life, but does not fully understand the implications for her brother. She confesses, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day. . . Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (John 11:24, 27 NRSV)
Jesus is greatly disturbed by the time he gets to the tomb. Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus orders the removal of the stone, but there is concern about the stench. Martha is not denying her brother’s death, but understands not only his death, but the decomposition of his body. She understands it is too late to turn back death.
But Jesus has another plan. He understands the death of Lazarus will be used to glorify God and bring people to faith. In that respect, the delay by Jesus to respond to Lazarus might be understood as an act of love, so others might learn of a greater love.
Next Jesus offers a prayer as One who is unified with God. Although he prays for the sake of others, Jesus already knows his prayer will be answered because he knows God and God’s will. Jesus says the word and new life is given. Jesus cries out, “Lazarus, come out!”
The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead is about the power of God, but also about the promise of new life. Despite much which we do not understand, let us trust in the actions of God through Jesus Christ to bring life and love.
Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Grant that I may not seek to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. Amen
Grief often clouds reasoned thinking. Emotions can be overwhelming at the same time our mind tries desperately to bring order to the unsettling reality and finality of death. Understanding death is beyond our human grasp, especially when it comes prematurely to those we love.
In this text, Martha and Mary grapple with the tardiness of Jesus. Word had been sent to him about the illness of Lazarus, but Jesus did not drop everything to come to their beloved brother. It made no sense to the sisters of Lazarus. Jesus healed so many, but why not help their brother?
- What else might have Mary and Martha been feeling?
- What questions might they have had?
Martha believes in the resurrection and the promise of new life, but does not fully understand the implications for her brother. She confesses, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day. . . Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (John 11:24, 27 NRSV)
- Rephrase Martha’s confession.
- What might Martha have meant by her words?
- What does it mean for you to believe in the resurrection?
Jesus is greatly disturbed by the time he gets to the tomb. Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus orders the removal of the stone, but there is concern about the stench. Martha is not denying her brother’s death, but understands not only his death, but the decomposition of his body. She understands it is too late to turn back death.
- When Jesus orders the stone to be rolled away, what might have been going through the minds and hearts of Martha, Mary, and the crowd?
- How much does Martha truly understand? Explain.
But Jesus has another plan. He understands the death of Lazarus will be used to glorify God and bring people to faith. In that respect, the delay by Jesus to respond to Lazarus might be understood as an act of love, so others might learn of a greater love.
Next Jesus offers a prayer as One who is unified with God. Although he prays for the sake of others, Jesus already knows his prayer will be answered because he knows God and God’s will. Jesus says the word and new life is given. Jesus cries out, “Lazarus, come out!”
- What would it have been like to be at the tomb on that day?
- Imagine what Lazarus’ life would be like after his resurrection?
The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead is about the power of God, but also about the promise of new life. Despite much which we do not understand, let us trust in the actions of God through Jesus Christ to bring life and love.
Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Grant that I may not seek to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. Amen
Prayer Petitions for this week
These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
-Remember in prayer leaders meeting in Minneapolis for the Assistants and Associates to Bishops Gathering. Pray that their faith, lives and ministries will be enriched and supported by their time together.
-Give thanks that God has brought us out of darkness and into the light of Christ, which reveals what is good, just and pleasing to God.
-Praise God for the gift of water in all its forms. Pray that we will not take water for granted or squander it. Ask the Spirit to guide and sustain our efforts to guarantee all people and communities access to clean, safe and abundant water, a life-nourishing resource and gift from God.
-Pray for the leaders across our church who serve on the ELCA Church Council. Ask the Spirit to guide and inspire their deliberations and work, which support, shape and further the growth and mission of our church in the world.
-Give thanks for the life of Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador (1917-1980) and those who demonstrate courage and persistence in their faith, public witness, compassion and advocacy. Pray for those who still suffer poverty, violence, oppression and injustice in Central America.
-With joy and thanksgiving, praise God for drawing us close and restoring our relationships and celebrate that nothing can separate us from God’s love, demonstrated to us through the life, sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
-Amid solemn Lenten reflections, take heart and give thanks for the promise and proclamation Jesus made to Martha, the sister of Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live” (John 11:25).
-Remember in prayer leaders meeting in Minneapolis for the Assistants and Associates to Bishops Gathering. Pray that their faith, lives and ministries will be enriched and supported by their time together.
-Give thanks that God has brought us out of darkness and into the light of Christ, which reveals what is good, just and pleasing to God.
-Praise God for the gift of water in all its forms. Pray that we will not take water for granted or squander it. Ask the Spirit to guide and sustain our efforts to guarantee all people and communities access to clean, safe and abundant water, a life-nourishing resource and gift from God.
-Pray for the leaders across our church who serve on the ELCA Church Council. Ask the Spirit to guide and inspire their deliberations and work, which support, shape and further the growth and mission of our church in the world.
-Give thanks for the life of Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador (1917-1980) and those who demonstrate courage and persistence in their faith, public witness, compassion and advocacy. Pray for those who still suffer poverty, violence, oppression and injustice in Central America.
-With joy and thanksgiving, praise God for drawing us close and restoring our relationships and celebrate that nothing can separate us from God’s love, demonstrated to us through the life, sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
-Amid solemn Lenten reflections, take heart and give thanks for the promise and proclamation Jesus made to Martha, the sister of Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live” (John 11:25).
Lent 2020 -
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In Jesus’ day, women were generally silent, and rarely if ever seen, and are generally nameless. We hear about the Canaanite woman, or the Samaritan woman, or they are identified by their relationship to a man such as Jairus’s daughter or Simon’s mother-in-law. So the very inclusion of women in the gospel texts is remarkable. Yet these women are a part of our history and a part of Jesus’ story. This Lenten season, we will explore a different woman’s story each week.
Introduction to Lent 2020 and Women's Encounters with Jesus Week 1 - The Canaanite Woman: Matthew 15:21-28 Week 2 - Martha and Mary: Luke 10:38-42 Week 3 - A Bent Woman, Daughter of Abraham: Luke 13:10-17 Week 4 - A Woman Accused of Adultery: John 7:53-8:11 Week 5 - A Woman anoints Jesus for Burial - Matthew 26:6-13 |
Lent 2019 -
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Jesus often taught the crowds through powerful stories that feel just as contemporary today as they did 2000 years ago. These wonderful stories allow us to see the world of the first century through the eyes of first century followers of Jesus. Join us on this journey through 5 parables from the Gospel of Luke as we peel back the layers to discover how these parables simultaneously comfort and challenge us. Dig into the culture of the original hearers of these stories that challenge our assumptions about God, the world, our neighbors, and ourselves.
Once Upon a Time: The Beauty and Challenge of Story Week 1 - Are All Samaritans Good? Week 2 - Lost Things Week 3 - A Lost Son Week 4 - A Lost Brother Week 5 - A Feast for the Ones the World Forgot Reflections on Holy Week |
Lent 2018 |
The gospel of John tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection in a poignant, dramatic, and unique voice. In this Lenten Bible study, you are invited to enter into John’s world and encounter those who were a part of Jesus’ final days.
Introduction to the Gospel of John Week 1 – Nicodemus: Journey from Darkness to Light Week 2 – Judas: Journey to the Dark Side Week 3 – Peter: Journey to Understanding Week 4 – Mary Magdalene: Journey to Life Week 5 – The Beloved Disciple: Our Journey to Faithfulness |
Advent 2017 |
Pastor Joanne made a series of videos with a message for each week of the Advent season. Please follow this link to see those messages
Advent videos 2017 |
