The God We Can Know- The Resurrection and the Life (Holy Week)

Share a high and low from the past week.

Finish this sentence: “I am . . . (noun)”—something that describes you, or how you are feeling right now.

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John 11:17-26 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus the Resurrection and the Life
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

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Why do you think Jesus might have waited before going to Bethany where he might have been able to keep Lazarus from dying?
Have you ever been disappointed in God, as Martha was disappointed in Jesus?
How has God shown you possibility when you thought all hope was lost?
What does Jesus mean when he says, “I am the Resurrection and the Life”?

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Dear God, thank you for your ever-present grace and love. Thank you for the beauty of new life that we see every morning. Even when we are unsure of what will happen next, help us to remember that you are with us, holding us in your hand and loving us no matter what happens. In your son’s name we pray. Amen.

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May the Resurrection and Life show us the possibilities in the midst of our struggles and joys.
Amen. 

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