January 31
Lesson 9
THE DEATH OF A FRIEND
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 25:6–10
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: John 11:1–44
JOHN 11:38–44
38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Graphic: Standard Publishing
KEY VERSE
When he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
—John 11:43
SACRED GIFTS AND HOLY GATHERINGS
Unit 2: Four Weddings and a Funeral
LESSONS 5–9
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Tell how Lazarus was raised from the dead.
2. Compare and contrast the resurrections of Lazarus and Jesus.
3. Share with one other person a hymn, song, or poem that reflects the Christian hope of eternal life.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Funerals and Faith
B. Lesson Background
I. Tomb Opened (JOHN 11:38–41a)
A. Grieving Friend (v. 38)
B. Worried Sister (vv. 39–41a)
Opportunities to Trust
II. Lazarus Emerges (JOHN 11:41b–44)
A. Preparing with Prayer (vv. 41b, 42)
A Boy Named Dennis
B. Commanding to Come Forth (vv. 43, 44)
Conclusion
A. The Hope of Resurrection
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Bethany Beth-uh-nee.
Galilee Gal-uh-lee.
Jairus Jye-rus or Jay-ih-rus.
Jericho Jair-ih-co.
Kidron Kid-ron.
Lazarus Laz-uh-rus.
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What Do You Think?
How can we make sure we are “on the same wavelength” with God as we ponder what His will for us might be?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding use of material resources
■ Regarding use of time
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
How do we evaluate the claims of those who say they have seen or experienced the glory of God?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Exodus 33:18–23
■ Psalm 19:1
■ Acts 7:55
■ Romans 3:23
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances does it seem that God is most willing to hear your prayers? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Lamentations 3:44
■ James 1:6; 4:3
■ 1 Peter 3:7
■ 1 John 5:14
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
How can we adjust our prayer lives in order to demonstrate greater trust in God?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In the way prayers are phrased
■ In the attitude in which prayers are offered
■ In response to the answers to other prayers
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
What are some ways you can be Jesus’ hands in helping release or rescue people from negative situations?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Physical bondage (chemical addictions, etc.)
■ Spiritual bondage (sin)
■ Emotional bondage (dysfunctional patterns of living, etc.)
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Krause, Mark S. et al. “The Death of a Friend.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2015–2016. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jim Eichenberger. Vol. 63. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2015. 191. Print.
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