The Signs in John’s Gospel (questions from Raising Lazarus from the dead)

Question 1

Why was the death of Lazarus personal for Jesus?

Answer 1

Mary, whose brother Lazarus lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord & wiped his feet with her hair

Question 2

Why does Jesus delay returning to Bethany?

Answer 2

so that Lazarus would definitely be dead (this idea was sparked by the fact that there were stories of people being buried when they had just fainted)

Question 3

How do Mary & Martha react to the death of their brother?

Answer 3

• it is important to note that Mary & Martha reacted in different ways
• Martha was frustrated that Jesus hadn’t arrived sooner, whilst Mary was despairing - neither really knew Jesus’ power

Question 4

Why did returning to Bethany risk Jesus’ life?

Answer 4

• for one, the disciples knew that if they went to Jerusalem (Bethany is part of Jerusalem) Jesus would be killed; the last time they were there the people tried to stone him
• however, Jesus made it clear that he was walking in the path his Father had set for him; His death was part of God’s plan to save the world

Question 5

What does the raising of Lazarus represent?

Answer 5

1. Jesus told Martha that he was the resurrection & life - showing that only in Him could life be found
2. Jesus knew that he was going to raise Lazarus but he still wept (showing his humanity & the sadness he had at the effects of sin)
3. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead as a symbol of what was going to happen to him & to show his ultimate power

Question 6

How did the Pharisees react to this miracle?

Answer 6

• ironically, the Pharisees refused to have faith in Jesus
• rather, the High Priest predicted that it would be better for Jesus to die in the place of the people

Question 7

What does Lazarus’s miracle teach us about spiritual life?