Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 11

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 11

This Wednesday, May 20, our Bible study focused on John 11, the story of Lazarus, and the themes of death, resurrection, grief, and freedom in Christ.

We began our time together with a warm-up conversation, sharing personal experiences with grief, loss, trust, and hope. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how death and mourning affect both individuals and communities.

As we read through John 11:1–44, we listed words and expressions that caught our attention, including “weeping,” “believe,” “life,” “glory,” “come out,” and “let him go.” These words helped guide our discussion about the meaning of resurrection in biblical times and in our lives today.

We also talked about how people in Jesus’ time understood death differently. For many, death was not only physical but also connected to separation, mourning, ritual impurity, and the uncertainty of what came after life on earth. Martha’s statement in John 11:24 — “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day” — showed the Jewish hope many people had for a future resurrection.

At the same time, Jesus expanded that understanding when He declared:
“I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

We reflected on how our understanding of death today can include physical death, emotional suffering, broken relationships, fear, depression, hopelessness, and anything that keeps us from fully living. Resurrection, then, is not only about eternal life after death, but also about experiencing new life, healing, freedom, and hope here and now.

We discussed different beliefs about resurrection and life after death, comparing perspectives from the time of Jesus with modern Christian understandings. We also reflected on the United Methodist perspective on resurrection, grace, eternal life, and the promise that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39).

One of the most powerful moments of the study came at the end of the story, when Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus commanded the people around him:
“Unbind him, and let him go.” (John 11:44)

Together, we discussed how those “grave clothes” can symbolize fear, shame, grief, guilt, pain, and anything that keeps people spiritually or emotionally trapped. The invitation to “remove the burial cloths” speaks both to those who have passed into eternal life and to those who remain here on earth — called to live freely, fully, and faithfully in the new life God gives.

Additional scriptures referenced during our discussion included:
• John 11:1–44
• Ezekiel 37:1–14
• 1 Corinthians 15:51–57
• Romans 6:4
• Romans 8:38–39
• Revelation 21:1–4

In the link below, you will find more reflections and resources about resurrection, eternal life, and Christian hope.

We also invite everyone to join us this Wednesday at 5:00 PM as we continue our journey through the Gospel of John. This week, we will dive into John 12 and continue exploring the meaning of discipleship, devotion, and new life in Christ.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this thoughtful and heartfelt conversation.