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.

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 10

📖 Bible Study Recap – John 10: “The Good Shepherd”

On Wednesday the 6th, we studied John 10 and reflected on Jesus’ powerful words: “I am the Good Shepherd.” Before entering chapter 10, we reviewed John 1–9 and remembered how Jesus revealed Himself through signs, miracles, teachings, and personal encounters. Throughout John’s Gospel, people are constantly faced with an important question: Will we recognize Jesus for who He truly is?

As a warm-up activity, participants were invited to share Bible verses related to shepherds and sheep. It was a meaningful way to connect the group with the biblical imagery found throughout Scripture. Some of the verses shared included:

• Psalm 23:1 — “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
• Isaiah 40:11 — “He will feed his flock like a shepherd.”
• Ezekiel 34:11 — “I myself will search for my sheep.”
• Matthew 18:12 — The parable of the lost sheep.
• Luke 15:4–7 — The shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one.
• John 10:11 — “I am the good shepherd.”
• 1 Peter 5:2–4 — Encouragement for shepherding God’s flock.

In John 10, Jesus describes the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. He reminds us that the sheep know the shepherd’s voice and follow him because they trust him. We talked about the many voices competing for our attention today and how important it is to learn to recognize Christ’s voice in our daily lives through prayer, Scripture, worship, and community.

One of the highlights of our study was watching a video experiment where different people tried calling a group of sheep, but the sheep only responded to their actual shepherd. They recognized his voice because they knew him and trusted him. It became a beautiful illustration of John 10 and helped us understand more deeply what Jesus meant when He said, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

We also reflected on four important conditions sheep need in order to truly rest:
• They need food and nourishment.
• They need safety and protection.
• They need community and togetherness, but also enough space and peace to avoid friction among one another.
• They need guidance.

These needs connect beautifully to our spiritual lives as well. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, provides what we need, protects us, guides us, and teaches us how to live together in healthy community.

Another analogy we shared was that if Jesus is the Shepherd, pastors are like sheepdogs — helping in the work of gathering people together, guiding them in the right direction, and protecting the flock. The role of pastoral leadership is not to replace the Shepherd, but to faithfully assist in Christ’s ministry of care and guidance.

We also reflected on Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Unlike a hired hand, Jesus does not abandon His people. His love is personal, sacrificial, and faithful. As United Methodists, we connected this message to God’s grace — a grace that seeks us, saves us, and continues transforming us.

Another important theme was inclusion. Jesus says, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold,” reminding us that God’s love is wider than human boundaries. The church is called to reflect this welcoming love and open its doors to all people.

Finally, we ended with the assurance that no one can snatch us out of Christ’s hand. In a world filled with uncertainty, John 10 reminds us that we belong to the Good Shepherd, who guides, protects, and walks with us every day.

May we continue listening for Christ’s voice and following where He leads.

✨ Join us again this Wednesday at 5:00 PM for our weekly Bible Study as we continue growing together in faith, fellowship, and God’s Word. All are welcome!

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 9

 

Wednesday Bible Study Recap – John 9

Last Wednesday at Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, we had a dynamic and engaging Bible study as we explored John 9 together.

We began with a fun warm-up using a Wordwall quiz based on John 9. It was a great way to review the text, get everyone involved, and prepare our hearts and minds for a deeper conversation.

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Two Types of Blindness

John 9:1–7 | John 9:39

We started by reflecting on two kinds of blindness:

• Physical blindness – like the man born blind

• Spiritual blindness – not seeing truth even when it is right in front of us

Jesus says:

“I came into this world… so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind” (John 9:39)

This led us into a powerful conversation about how spiritual blindness can affect anyone—not just those outside the faith.

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Spiritual Blindness Today

John 9:13–34 | Matthew 15:14

We discussed how the Pharisees in the story are not just figures of the past. Their attitude can still be present today in religious spaces.

• Rigid thinking

• Judgment without compassion

• Resistance to what God is doing

Jesus warns:

“If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14)

This challenged us to reflect honestly on our own hearts and attitudes.

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A Growing Vision of Jesus

John 9:11, 17, 38

One of the most meaningful parts of the study was observing how the blind man’s understanding of Jesus grows over time:

• First: “The man called Jesus” (v.11)

• Then: “He is a prophet” (v.17)

• Finally: “Lord”—and he worships Him (v.38)

We reflected on how our own journey of faith often looks the same—our understanding of Jesus deepens as we walk with Him.

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Blindness as a Closed Mind

John 9:40–41 | Isaiah 6:9–10

We discussed how spiritual blindness is not always about lack of knowledge, but often about a made-up mind—a heart that is not willing to change.

• Not inability → but resistance

• Not ignorance → but refusal

This was a strong reminder that humility is essential for spiritual growth.

Warning from Laodicea

Revelation 3:17–18

We connected this story with the church in Laodicea:

“You say, ‘I am rich… I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”

We discussed how self-sufficiency is one of the clearest symptoms of spiritual blindness.

• Thinking we don’t need God

• Believing we already see clearly

• Losing dependence on grace

Jesus invites us instead to receive true sight from Him.

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Jesus’ Unusual Way of Healing

John 9:6–7

We also noticed that Jesus healed this man differently:

• He made mud

• Placed it on the man’s eyes

• Told him to go and wash

Unlike other moments where Jesus simply spoke or touched, here the process was more involved.

We reflected on how:

• Jesus does not always work the same way

• Healing and transformation can be a journey, not just a moment

• Obedience plays a role in experiencing God’s work

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Closing Reflection

This study challenged us to ask:

• Where might I be spiritually blind?

• Is my understanding of Jesus still growing?

• Am I open to change, or holding onto a fixed mindset?

• Am I depending on God, or on myself?

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Invitation

You are warmly invited to join us for our next Wednesday Bible Study:

📍 Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church
🕔 Wednesday at 5:00 PM

Come and grow with us as we continue exploring God’s Word together in a welcoming and faith-filled community.

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Video resource: