Billy Graham’s book, Peace for Each Day, is described in this way online: “In a world in which everyone seems to be rushing to finish their to-do list, answer their emails, and respond to their cell phones, peace is still possible.” Do you really believe people can still experience peace? Jesus said that those who believe in Him can have peace. The Explore the Bible Study: Peace I Leave focuses on Jesus words on how one can find peace.

We come again to Jesus’ conversations with His disciples during the Last Supper. The disciples were not experiencing peace because they were wrestling with the reality of Jesus' words about His imminent departure from this world.

As we examine John 14:16-29, keep in mind two things. First, John was led by the Holy Spirit to capture this exchange years after it took place. This means that John was writing from a perspective of one who now realized what Jesus was saying. This brings us to the second point. Jesus tells them in verse 29, “I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe.”  This entire exchange was confusing to them; it disturbed them. It’s through these circumstances that Jesus chose to introduce the work of the Holy Spirit and the role He has in providing peace to those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit (The Counselor) is the Giver of Peace – John 14:16-21

Jesus sought to reassure His disciples by telling them more about what was going to take place. Jesus assured the group that He would send a Comforter or Counselor. The third member of the Trinity would reside within them and make it possible for them to experience peace with God and with each other. When Jesus departed the world, the disciples would not be alone.

Jesus described the Holy Spirit as “another Counselor.” What’s important about describing the Holy Spirit in this manner at this moment in time? Why did Jesus say “another Counselor”? What was different about the Counselor’s ministry versus Jesus’ ministry as their Counselor?

The term Counselor describes “one called alongside.” Jesus had been with them and been their Counselor, but He was not going to be with them physically any longer. The Holy Spirit, however, would be with them and all believers forever!

Jesus also described the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of truth.” As the Spirit of truth, He testifies about Jesus (John 15:26) and leads believers to know the truth through the Scriptures (John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16). However, unbelievers are unable to receive Him because they don’t see Him or know Him. Again, Jesus reminds them of the forever promise of the Holy Spirit – “He remains with you.”

Then Jesus says to them in verses 18-20 something that could be really confusing, yet it describes the relationship between Jesus, the Holy spirit, and the Father. He says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you.”

How can Jesus leave but not leave them as orphans because He is coming to them? How does this demonstrate oneness in the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit? Why can believers see Jesus even though they “no longer see” Him?

While Jesus was returning to heaven, the Spirit would stay. And, when that day came, Jesus would be in the Father, the believers would be in Him, and Jesus would be in them through the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit. Finally, Jesus explains why this takes place as He makes an amazing statement about those who love and follow Jesus: “the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.” 

When you consider everything Jesus says in this passage about Himself, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father, how can this give believers peace?

Jesus continues the conversation by answering questions about how the disciples will learn about all that He has previously stated.

The Holy Spirit will Teach You so that You can Have Peace – John 14:22-26

Jesus' primary focus was on the disciples’ love and obedience. Anyone who loves Jesus will keep His commands. The idea in Greek involves maintaining and protecting. Love is not merely an emotion; it is an action. 

On the other hand, whoever doesn’t love Christ will not obey Him. When unbelievers disobey God’s Word, they are merely behaving naturally. Because they have no love for Christ, they lack the supernatural desire to follow Him that is only possible through the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples would need help recalling what He had taught them. Jesus says the Father would send the Counselor on behalf of Jesus, explaining again the relationship of the Trinity. Now the disciples and all believers who receive Christ will receive the Holy Spirit as their Teacher. The Spirit would teach them and remind them of everything Jesus had shared with them and all who would believe. As mentioned earlier, the Spirit primarily does so through the Scriptures, enlightening readers to God’s truth through the Word.

How can knowing that the Holy Spirit is our teacher bring us peace?

Believers can understand God’s truths and act on them with confidence. They can be at peace as they act on God’s truth, especially when it goes against the cultural norms. When we obey His Word, we demonstrate our love for Him and for His Son. The Father loves it when we demonstrate our love for Jesus because, in doing so, we display our love for Him. This love relationship enables us to take full advantage of God’s gift to us, the indwelling Spirit.

Finally, Jesus says He must go so He can give them peace.

Jesus had to go away so all believers could experience peace – John 14:27-29

1. He leaves them with peace. This peace would be experienced by all who would believe because the Holy Spirit would not only help them experience peace, but His indwelling would also be the origination of peace that only one who receives Christ can experience.
2. Jesus gives them peace. This is a free gift to all who believe, and it is a peace that only Jesus can impart. It can’t be found through any other means. 

Because of this, Jesus didn’t want their hearts to be troubled, but He also knew they, as well as all who believe would have times when their hearts would be troubled. That’s when we must remember the words of Jesus. He had to leave so we could experience true and lasting peace, but He will come again which should also give us peace.

Peace Every Day

Billy Graham, in the book, Peace for Each Day, made this statement, "Millions are searching for [peace], but we Christians have found it! It is ours now and forever." Perfect peace finds its ultimate expression in the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—one God in three persons. 

Although the disciples were troubled and confused, Jesus offered them perfect peace and the giver and sustainer of peace in all believer’s hearts – The Holy Spirit. His peace was different from what the world could give them. His peace never depends on external circumstances. The disciples could actually rejoice that Jesus was going to the Father because then the Father would send the Spirit. With Him, they and all who believe can face whatever challenges the world throws in their direction while still experiencing peace.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shared this video a few years ago. Consider what Billy Graham says about finding peace. 

In what ways, other than through Jesus, do people try to experience peace? 

Do most people today believe that peace only comes through a personal relationship with Christ? 

How can those who profess Christ demonstrate peace in their lives today?

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I’m sure we have all heard this statement or used this statement at some point in our lives: “I can’t wait to show you what I did while you were away.” We have all experienced times when we have prepared something in anticipation for someone returning that we felt excited about showing them when they returned. The Explore the Bible Study: I Will Come Again, will challenge you to consider what you are doing to honor Jesus as we anticipate His return.

In the passages leading up to our main passage of study, Jesus has just finished washing the disciples feet, they have eaten the Passover meal together, Jesus reveals that someone at the table will betray Him, and His betrayer (Judas) will leave the dinner to do his evil deed. After Judas leaves, Jesus prepares the remaining disciples for His death. 

It’s in this discourse that Jesus encourages them to honor Him as they awaited His return. This is where we can learn from the conversation how we should honor Jesus as we anticipate His return.

First, we should honor Jesus through our love – John 13: 31-35

The wheels were in motion that would lead to Jesus’ death. Judas had left to betray Him, and now Jesus speaks directly to His remaining disciples regarding what is about to take place. Jesus used this moment to speak of His glorification. Jesus relayed the fact that, although His crucifixion would not take place until the following day, He was glorified now. This included the entire period of His atoning sacrifice, resurrection, ascension, return, and reign. Not only was He glorified, but His death also glorified the Father. Philippians 2:8-9 reminds us that Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name . . .”

Now Jesus turns to His disciples and expresses something that we have probably heard from our own parents at some point, “I am going to be gone for a while, and you can’t come with me.” Then he tells them, in John 13:34-35, what they should do while He is away. 

In what ways did the disciples struggle with doing what Jesus commanded as they watched Him die on the cross and even after He arose from the grave?

Do believers struggle with this today? If so, why?

Based on Jesus’ statement, what is one of the greatest results that can come out of believers learning to love one another?

What can we do to learn how to honor Jesus through our love for one another?

This single action—love one another—is how people can recognize true disciples. Christians honor the Lord in many ways, but if our activities lack Christlike love, the world won’t see Jesus. Jesus then has conversation with Peter who is processing all this and trying to understand exactly what Jesus is saying. It’s out of this conversation that we see another way we should honor Jesus.

We should honor Jesus through our loyalty – John 13:36-38

Notice that Jesus reemphasized what He had just said because He knew Peter was going to argue with Him. He told Peter that he could not follow Him at this point but would follow Him later. Peter, the one to whom Jesus said, “follow me” was not being told by Jesus that He couldn’t follow Him. Peter boldly said that His loyalty to Christ was such that He would be following Him even unto death! Still Jesus said “no.” 

Then Jesus tells Peter that he isn’t as loyal as he thinks he is. He will betray Jesus instead of die for Him. His loyalty will be tested, and it will fail.

In what ways do we assume we will never be disloyal to Christ? Why do we need to be careful when we assume we will remain loyal in these areas of our lives? How can we take what we know will be Peter’s disloyalty and learn how to remain more loyal to Christ in our own walk with Him?

We are a lot like Peter. Sometimes we make commitments without counting the cost. Thankfully, Peter’s story encourages us to recall that Jesus knows our weaknesses and is willing to restore us when we fall short. He continues His work in us so we can move past our failures and follow Him.

Finally, Jesus emphasizes that His listeners must hold on to their belief as they observe what is about to take place. This is where we learn the third way we honor Jesus.

We should honor Jesus through holding on to what we believe – John 14:1-6

These disciples' hearts were absolutely troubled by what they heard, but Jesus said they must keep believing in Him as they have believed in God.

What circumstances might challenge a believer to doubt their belief? How can what Jesus said next in this passage help us today to hold on to what we believe? How does this communicate that one who truly believes can’t walk away? Who determines our security in Him and our future?

Believers honor Christ by believing in Him as they await His return. Anticipating Jesus’ return does not mean waiting passively—it prods us to engage the world around us. People without Jesus need to know Him and be saved. Each believer must reflect the life of Christ so others can see Him as He really is and experience the life-giving and life-changing power of Jesus. The lost must see through believers that Jesus truly is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. When we struggle with believing this we communicate to a lost world that there might be another way, truth, or life outside of Jesus.

Evaluating our lives and the ways in which we honor Jesus

Are you currently honoring Jesus by the way that you love other believers? Is there something you have done to dishonor that love Jesus says we are to have for one-another? If so, consider the actions you need to take to regain the honor that was lost.

Did Jesus’ words about loyalty remind you of times when you haven’t been loyal to Christ or when you were tempted to be disloyal? If so, what actions do you need to take to honor Him with your loyalty?

Are the circumstances you are facing, the life you are living, or the struggles you are having causing you to struggle with your belief in Christ as the way, truth, and life? Talk with someone about this and remember the promises of Jesus in this passage that He is “going to prepare a place for you." And that He "will come again and take you to [Himself], so that where [He is] you may be also.”

Death and life are intertwined in all of God’s creation. We see this played out daily in many ways. While, from a human perspective, death isn’t something pleasant to consider, it is out of death that life continues for so many things. The Explore The Bible Study: If It Dies, focuses on Jesus' words related to this as He turns His attention and focus toward giving His life for us so that we can have eternal life.

No one can have life in Christ without His sacrificial death.  Jesus once again shares, in John 12:20-33,  about His impending death so that He could provide eternal life to those who would believe in and follow Him.

Before we examine the key passages, let’s examine what took place leading up to this. This conversation about death takes place right after Jesus’ triumphal entry in Jerusalem on the days leading up to His trial, death, and resurrection. John 12:12-19 describes this exciting moment:

The next day, when the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 they took palm branches and went out to meet him. They kept shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written: 15 Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt. 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first. However, when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. 17 Meanwhile, the crowd, which had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify. 18 This is also why the crowd met him, because they heard he had done this sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You see? You’ve accomplished nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!”

Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem drew the attention of the entire city. If you recall, this was the time of the Passover festival, so people from all regions were in Jerusalem, including some Greeks. They observed Jesus’ entry and desired to “see Jesus” because of what they had heard about restoring the life of Lazarus. They desired to know more about this man who gave life to the dead.

Seeking Jesus – John 12:20-22

The Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the observance of the Passover sought out Jesus because of what they had heard about Him, especially regarding the raising of Lazarus. We don’t know why they came to Philip, nor why Philip went and told Andrew. It’s interesting how John describes the process – The Greeks go to Philip; Philip goes to Andrew; they both go and tell Jesus! One must wonder why Philip didn’t just take the group directly to Jesus. What we do know is that the Greeks desired to “see Jesus.” This is what’s important.

Would you be surprised if someone asked you to introduce them to Jesus? How can you be more approachable so that people would be willing to ask you about Jesus?

We all have those moments when someone approaches us and desires to “see Jesus.” These are sometimes called divine appointments. When these take place we should be ready to either help them “see Jesus” or take them to someone who can help them “see Jesus.” Next, John describes Jesus’ response.

Death Brings Life—John 12:23-26

It’s not clear who is “them” to whom Jesus was responding. Was it Philip and Andrew, the Greeks, or the crowd? While this isn’t clear, Jesus’ message is very clear. Jesus was preparing for His death, and by using His own life as an example, Jesus told them that the hour had come for the “Son of Man to be glorified.” 

Jesus went on to compare His death to a grain of wheat that must fall into the soil and perish. Only after it perishes could it produce “much fruit.” Jesus knew His obedience to the Father would cost Him everything. He knew He would soon die on a cross. Yet He also knew that His death would “produce much fruit” by providing a way for all who believed to be born again and receive eternal life.

Then the Lord applied this principle to His disciples: “The one who loves his life will lose it.” 

What evidence demonstrates that one loves their life more than following Jesus? What is wrong with loving your life?

We cannot “love” our lives and still expect to follow Christ. The Explore the Bible Leader Commentary describes what Jesus was saying this way: “Jesus wanted the disciples to understand a vital spiritual truth. . . The phrase describes people caring more about their earthly life, including worldly pleasures, than about serving God. Such individuals will inevitably forfeit their earthly and spiritual lives.”

Jesus went on to say that “the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

How does one hate his/her life? Does this refer to desiring to physically die?

What does the phrase “in this world” tell us about what Jesus meant by saying one must “hate his life”?

What did Jesus say was the outcome of hating one’s life? (Eternal life)

Why is it difficult to hate one’s life in this world? (In PSG, p. 24)

Jesus points to hating the curse of sin that one has to continually deal with. It points to the impact of sin on one’s life and the world in general. If one hates this kind of life, what should one do? If you hate something in this world you have choices – isolate or serve. In Christ we are to serve.

The Explore the Bible leader commentary summarizes it this way: 

“People have the option to serve Christ or not, but serving Jesus carries both a requirement (“follow me”) and a reward (the Father’s honor). Believers also receive a second reward: Jesus said they would live where I am. To be present with the Master is the greatest blessing imaginable.”

The following verses can help you understand what Jesus was saying. John 11:25–26; 1 John 5:11–12; Romans 5:21; Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 9:12

Facing Death Physically and Spiritually is Difficult—John 12:27-28

Notice Jesus’ request. He didn’t ask for strength, peace, or comfort, but that the Father's name be glorified. What does this communicate to you about what we should seek from God when we have a troubled soul? 

In what ways might God, or has God, affirmed you when your soul was troubled and you refocused on doing His will?

This very public conversation had a purpose though. It wasn’t for Jesus but for those who were listening. John 12:29-30 reveals the purpose: 

“29 The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you.” 

This very public response from God was for the crowd. Jesus never sought the Father’s verbal approval because He and the Father were One. Like Jesus’ prayer at Lazarus’ tomb, this manifestation was for the people who heard it. They had trouble comprehending what took place, yet they knew that something supernatural had occurred. 

Then Jesus speaks boldly regarding what was about to take place in verse 31:

31 “Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out.”

It was time for boldness. Jesus knew that His death would produce eternal life for those who would repent of their sins and confess Him as Savior.  Jesus declared that the judgment of this world would come when people would have to choose whether to follow Him or reject Him—this was the dividing line of faith. Jesus’ death and resurrection established the basis for judgment. 

Additionally, judgment would fall on the ruler of this world. The original sinner, Satan, was judged along with the world system he controlled. We know that Satan being cast out was not immediate. But, with the death and resurrection of Jesus, his defeat and judgment were assured. 

Finally, Jesus makes a beautiful statement in verse 32-33: 32: 

“As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die.

Jesus saw the cross just a few days away. He understood the hour had come to fulfill His mission and to provide the sacrificial atonement so people might be saved through faith in Him.

Jesus Died so That We Might Live

Consider what Jesus did for you as you read this quote from the ETB Leader Commentary:

“Jesus draws those who seek Him to the cross. He draws their eyes upward to see His nail-pierced hands and feet, along with the horrible results of scourging upon His body. He draws their conscience inward so they can understand why the enormity of sin made the death of God’s Son necessary. He draws their hearts outward to repent, believe, and receive Him as Lord and Savior.”

When you consider the image that is described by this and what Christ did for you, how should you respond? 

How should this motivate you to avoid loving this world more than loving life in Christ?

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These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

Have you attended a dinner that was very special to you? What made it special? If you were hosting a dinner for someone very special, what actions would you take to be a good host? The Explore the Bible Study: Honoring Jesus (I have tweaked the title) focuses on a dinner in John 12.

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Jesus’ opponents began plotting to kill Him, so he left Jerusalem for a while (see John 11:53).  Jesus has now returned to Bethany, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, for a very special dinner.

This special dinner occurred at Simon the leper’s home (See Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9). Simon had probably been healed by Jesus, thus allowing the meal to take place at his home. Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were guests. This dinner could have been for the purpose of celebrating Lazarus’ resurrection. Martha helped serve the meal, and then Mary anointed Jesus’ feet. The purpose for the anointing in John 12 pointed to his death and burial which was moving ever closer.

It is out of this dinner and the anointing of Jesus with oil that we discover the ways in which we should honor Jesus.

We Should Honor Jesus by Serving – John 12:1-3

Imagine you were a guest at this dinner. A healed leper, Lazarus who was raised from the dead, and Mary and Martha were present. What would be the emotions you would be experiencing? How would you respond as you were served by Martha and observed Mary anointing Jesus’ feet?

Bethany is about two miles southeast of Jerusalem. It is located on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives. This visit and dinner was a major event in Jesus’ life because it was leading up to His last days, death, burial, and resurrection.

The tables for this special dinner would have been surrounded by low couches. Guests would recline on one elbow while eating. Jesus, Lazarus, and others were reclining when Mary served Jesus in a very special and unique way. She served Jesus by anointing Him with expensive oil and an extravagant amount of perfume as one would prepare someone for burial. 

John only indicates that Mary anointed Jesus’ feet. When Matthew and Mark recorded this event, they noted that the woman anointed Jesus’ head. It’s most likely she anointed His feet and head in keeping with Jewish burial practices. John simply focused on the act of sacrificial service Mary took in order to honor Jesus.

Had you been sitting at the table, would you have understood the purpose behind the way Mary honored Jesus? Do you think Mary understood what she was doing? Can you describe a time when you only understood why God led you to serve Christ in a certain way, but you later realized it’s significance after looking back to the event?

In keeping with modesty and decorum for a dinner, most would not serve someone in this manner, especially since women did not let their hair down in public. But Mary’s willingness to honor Christ in this moment and in this manner prompted her to ignore all traditions. This truly was an act of service to honor Christ that transcended every tradition that was in place at the time.

Believers should honor Christ as Lord in the way in which we serve Him. There will be times when that act of worship through serving will be so powerful that we will be willing to ignore all customs and manners in order to do what God leads us to do.

How do we balance our actions when there is conflict between what our culture finds acceptable and what God might be leading us to do to serve and worship Him?

We Should Honor Jesus by Giving our Time and Resources – John 12:4-8

John previously pointed out the extravagance and expense of the perfume and oil. But now he reveals the response of the profiteer from one of the guests dining with Jesus. In this case, it was Judas, the one who would soon betray him for money. 

How can our giving of time and resources be misunderstood by others? How did Jesus’ response to Judas reveal the fact that Judas didn’t really care about the poor? 

Notice how Jesus got straight to the issue with Judas’ protest. Judas didn’t really care about the poor so Jesus pointed out that the poor would always be with them. He also pointed out the priority of honoring Jesus in this manner. He stated that this was a time to honor Jesus directly in this manner. There will be another time to put resources toward the poor because they will still be present after Jesus has left them. He was pointing out that this was certainly a time to honor Christ while He was still with them.

How might someone express attitudes like Judas’ today? How can we avoid responding the way Judas did to those who give their time and resources?

Judas’ response is not unusual, but it is sad. There seems to always be that one individual in a church or group of Christians who questions the value of giving time and resources in a manner that brings honor to Christ. Some might even say, this money should be used for the poor and needy in our community. They are the ones who usually only examine the money but never offer sacrifices themselves. They are too busy counting the pennies and considering where all the money is going. They don’t appreciate the hearts of those who desire to honor Christ through their gifts of time and resources.

However, most who make this challenge, usually aren’t on the front lines when the church calls for help with time and resources to help the poor and needy. Yes, there is a time to sacrifice time and resources to help poor and needy in our communities, but there are also times and opportunities that require sacrifices of time and resources in order to simply worhip and honor Christ. While there must be a balance, one should be careful to not criticize those who desire to give their time and resources to honor Christ in ways that might seem extravagant at the time.

As long as actions align with Scripture, we should celebrate anyone who willingly sacrifices time and resources to worship our Lord in Spirit and truth. Mary took the time; she stepped across cultural norms and provided costly resources to honor Christ.

Mary saw the anointing as an expression of grateful love for the One who raised her brother from the tomb. She attached its significance to His upcoming death. Following His burial, women came to the tomb with spices to anoint His body, but Mary of Bethany was not among them (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:40,47; Mark 16:1; John 19:25).  In one sense Mary was the only one who had the chance to anoint Jesus. By the time the other women got to the tomb, Jesus was gone. – ETB Leader Commentary

When We Honor Jesus, We Can Experience Persecution – John 12:9-11

Honoring Jesus can attract a crowd. However, the crowd may not always embrace Jesus, which could lead to persecution for those who are trying to honor him. 

Sadly, those who didn’t like Jesus would rather kill a man whose life had been restored than to honor the One who restored His life! This reveals the hardness of the hearts of those who continued to ignore the message of salvation. They didn’t want to give up their power or their position to follow Jesus. One can only imagine what kind of revival the crowd would have experienced had they responded by honoring Christ.

Honoring Jesus

What are some ways in which you can honor Christ through extravagant, sacrificial service?

What are some ways in which you can honor Christ through extravagant giving of resources and time?

What can we do to encourage one another when people don’t understand the ways in which we honor Christ?

We can honor Christ by extravagantly serving Him by serving others in His name. We can honor Christ by giving our time and resources to Him. When we do so, we can demonstrate the gospel to a lost world as Mary demonstrated the burial of Christ by anointing Jesus with oil and perfume.

Mary, Martha, Simon the leper, and especially Lazarus had first-hand experience with the amazing way in which Jesus worked. News of His work to restore life to Lazarus spread throughout the region. 

As believers, we have firsthand experience with the ways in which Jesus has worked in our lives and the lives of others. We have firsthand experience with the life-giving, transforming power of the Good News of Jesus. This should prompt us to honor Christ as Mary did. 

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13 informs believers that, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope” While we will grieve at someone’s death, followers of Christ don’t have to “grieve like the rest, who have no hope.” The Explore the Bible Study: I Am the Resurrection reminds us of this truth as we examine John, chapter 11.

We see a group in John 11 who were grieving over the death of a loved one named Lazarus. At this point they were grieving because they had lost hope.  They felt that, if only Jesus had been there, Lazarus could have been healed. But opposition had grown against Jesus in Jerusalem, so He had left the city and traveled to an area east of the Jordan River. It was there that news came that His beloved friend, Lazarus, was sick and close to death in the town of Bethany.  Jesus deliberately delayed going to him, actually waiting until Lazarus was dead. While this sounds like someone who didn’t care, there was a greater lesson this day for those who had seen Jesus perform miracles.

The passages today bring the work of Jesus to a climax and provide clarity to other verses regarding Jesus as the one Who gives life: “Life was in Him” (John 1:4); “The Son also gives life to anyone He wants to” (John 5:21); “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35); “Anyone who follows Me . . . will have the light of life” (John 8:12);  “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10); I give them eternal life, and they will never perish – ever! (John 10:28).

It was in this setting that the “if only” statement was expressed to Jesus by a grieving sister, Mary – “If only Jesus had been there, Lazarus would not be dead.” Let’s first examine the response and how it reveals the reality of grief that comes when someone loses a loved one or close friend. This miracle gives us the full understanding of Jesus as the life-giver and the eternal hope we have through Him!

Grief is a reality – John 11:32-37

These family members and friends couldn’t understand Jesus’ delay in coming to heal Lazarus. They felt that, since Lazarus was dead, there was no longer a need for Jesus to do anything. They weren’t ready for the lesson Jesus was going to teach them because of their grief.  While Jesus can heal, there is something much greater than healing; it is what Jesus offers beyond physical healing.

Jesus was troubled over the fact that the sisters—and the Jewish mourners—did not yet fully understand who He was. – They could not get through their grief to see Jesus for who He was. They could only see the loss they had experienced. When people struggle with someone’s death today, they often ask, “Why didn’t God heal him?” or “Why did God let him/her die?” So Jesus responded to the people’s grief as the Son of God and Son of man. The Son of God had every right to be angry with an enemy that had ruined His perfect creation and hurt those He deeply loved. He also had every right to be disturbed that He, the Lord over death, stood right there in the people’s midst, and all they could do was weep and wail hopelessly.

Jesus is deeply concerned that you do not grieve hopelessly, but recognize that His presence, hope, and life are right there with you, and that He has power, even over death!

Consider how you might respond to the ETB Personal Study Guide question on page 122 – “How does Jesus’s emotional response help us approach Him with our hurts and pains?”Not only did they grieve as people without hope, but they also doubted Jesus.

Doubt is natural – John 11:38-40

Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. The tomb would have been a cave with a large, round stone sealing it. To this day there are tombs like this scattered throughout Israel.

We again see the emotion of Jesus. He was deeply moved as He approached the tomb and now Martha, the other sister to Lazarus, approaches him expressing doubt. Martha believed Jesus could have healed Lazarus, but now he was dead. 

“Her reaction, however, contradicted her earlier expression of faith in Jesus as the Son of God (John 11:27). She believed Jesus could ask the Father to intervene in the situation, but when faced with the reality of Lazarus’s tomb, Martha hesitated. Jesus gently reminded her that she would see the glory of God, as long as she believed.” – ETB Leader Guide

How is understanding that Jesus is not only one who heals but one who rules over death, help us deal with doubt when a believer dies or when we are facing death? What should this do regarding putting one’s faith in Christ, even as we face death?

When people believe Jesus is only strong enough to do something in the here and now, it will be difficult for them to understand that Jesus can do anything regarding the hereafter. This is where faith is required, and trust is given through God’s Word. Jesus reminds Martha, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” God’s Word is oftentimes the only thing that helps us overcome our doubt. It is always constant and will remind us that we can overcome doubt that comes when we do as Martha did and act on human rationale and logic.

In what ways has God’s Word and your personal relationship with Christ helped you overcome doubt?

Martha’s faith was going to be challenged to think of Jesus as one who overcomes death and not just a healer of those who are sick. What happens next is something that no one could understand at the moment. It would require trust. While we may grieve and even doubt, ultimately, we must trust Jesus.

Trust is a Must – John 11:41-46

In what ways do we discount or underestimate our Savior’s power because 2,000 years separates us from His earthly ministry?

Jesus earlier had told His disciples that Lazarus’ sickness would result in their seeing God’s glory. Indeed, the delay in Jesus coming to Bethany was for the purpose that the Son of God would be glorified through the raising of Lazarus from the dead (see 11:4). Jesus displayed His power over death and the grave. 

During His ministry, Jesus raised three people from the dead: a little girl (see Mark 5:35-42), an only son (see Luke 7:11-15), and a beloved friend (see John 11:3,44). Like the previous six miracle-signs John featured, this raising of Lazarus from the dead was designed to reveal who Jesus is. He is the resurrection and the life.

Jesus’ miracles were not intended just to alleviate temporary pain but to convince people to trust Him for hope, joy, and eternal life.  We can be certain Jesus loves us and works for our good and God’s glory even in death. We can deal confidently with death by having a relationship with Him.

Just like today, when God demonstrates His power to save, there will be those who respond by believing in Jesus and there will those who will become more cynical . . . until their death. Then someone might say, “they are in a better place,” indicating that their doubt about eternity was never resolved. Trust is a must!

Living Your Life In Light Of Jesus' Resurrection

As we conclude a study of this passage, let’s consider the life of Lazarus after his resurrection. We know that Lazarus was raised from the dead only to die physically again one day. 

How would you finish Lazarus’ story after his resurrection? How would he have lived? What would have been his legacy of faith? How do you suppose he faced death when it was his time to die again?

Imagine Lazarus living a life of faith because of the new life he was given through Christ. Imagine how he faced his death the second time. What a powerful message of hope and faith he might have portrayed to a lost world who had no hope without Christ.  What a powerful message this communicates to believers today. Jesus, through Lazarus, gives us the complete gospel message.

1. We were dead in our trespasses and sins. Ephesians 2:1 tells us that you were “dead in your trespasses and sins.” We were just like Lazarus spiritually. We were dead and in the tomb, destined for decay. But now . . .
2. Jesus gives us new life as described in Ephesian 2:4-5: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us,  made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.”
3. We are expected to do something with our new life in Christ as Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:1-5 – “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature . . .”

Can you be as confident as Billy Graham?

How can you express your confidence about life and death with people who are desperate for hope?

Make a list of people you know who are grieving, but are struggling with trusting Christ, and begin praying for them.