Prayer

Try to transpose the words of Ephesians 1:15-22 be the prayer for the people in your group this week.

For Each Other

Church

“The Last Sign”John 11:45-57

Jaron Burdick October 11, 2015

Getting Started

What is the biggest decision your parents have had to face?

How did their decision-making process affect you?

Handling the Sermon Text for Yourself (John 11:45-57)

1)Who do you most relate to in this story? The eyewitnesses of Lazarus’ resurrection? The theologically skeptical Pharisees? The High Priest with his eye on Rome? The townspeople who are trying to figure out what’s going on? Why?

2)If God invited your group to suggest any kind of miraculous sign to convince the world of his existence and love, what kind of sign would you suggest? (C’mon… be creative folks.) How well do you think it would work? Why?

3)Have you ever found yourself waiting for a sign from God? Have you ever received one?

4)Read Luke 16:19-31. The parableelegantly demonstrates the limits of “signs” to convince humanity of the truth. How do you read this parable in relation to the actions of the crowds and religious leaders in our text today? How does it relate to Christ’s own resurrection? How does it relate to you?

5)Immediately before the religious leaders sign Jesus’ death warrant, Jesus demonstrated God’s power over death itself by raising Lazarus from the grave. What signs or reminders has God given you to remind you of his sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming circumstances?

6)What do you make of the fact that the High Priest “prophesied” that Jesus would die for the people? Do you think the High Priest was conscious of his prophecy? What does this say about God’s sovereignty? What might it say about the significance of the offices we hold?

Putting it into Action

On a piece of paper, come up with a list of at least 10 “signs” that God has provided for you (as individuals or as a group.)

Can you identify the ways in which the signs God has already provided for you speak to some of the major issues in your life right now?

Read Ephesians 1:15-22. Christ’s resurrection is not merely a sign or symbol, but the dynamic force propelling the Christian life. Can you articulate how that power is (or is not) felt in your life right now? What questions does this passage raise for you?