Week 3: Jesus Enables the Faithful

Rewind and Reflect
What stood out to you from last week’s study on Mary and her relationship with Jesus? 

Did you find yourself living differently this week, or praying differently, because of the example of faithfulness and obedience we saw in Mary? 

In session two, we are going to study John 11 to see what we can learn from the friendship between Jesus, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

Watch “Jesus Enables the Faithful” with Jennie Allen, Bianca Juárez Olthoff, Jada Edwards, and Sadie Robertson Huff (10 minutes).

Review
Jada, Bianca, and Jennie talked about Jesus revealing his compassion when told of Lazarus’s death, then displaying his power over death when he called Lazarus out of the tomb. How did his decision to delay going to Bethany bring glory to him and hope to all of us? 

Bianca told the story of Martha’s confrontation with Jesus when he finally arrived. When has God disappointed you? How have you dealt with those feelings? 

What stood out to you from Bianca’s teaching on Martha’s and Mary’s declarations of faith?

Dig In
Read John 11:1–5, 11–44. Looking at verse 15, why did Jesus delay going to Lazarus? What reactions did he get from Mary and Martha? 

Review Martha’s statements of faith in John 11:21–27. What divine characteristics did she affirm, and what titles did she give Jesus?

Make It Matter
Life brings disappointment to everyone at some point. Martha was upset with Jesus for not coming in time to heal her brother. What can you learn from her response to Jesus when she saw him? 

Consider Mary’s reaction when Jesus arrived, then think of a time when you have grieved deeply. How does her response help you worship God because he’s good, even if he decides not to change your situation?

Reflect
Mary and Martha were not afraid to express their pain and disappointment to Jesus. How do you tend to approach God in those situations—are you honest, or do you hold back? Consider how you can pray in full honesty to the God who loves you unconditionally.

Think of some “impossible” situations in which you need God to work. Now reflect on Mary and Martha’s extraordinary faith in the wake of their brother’s death. Which of them do you resemble more? Write out a statement of faith in your all-powerful yet compassionate God.