Grow Guide | March 8, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, March 8, 2026
Series Theme: That They May All Be One
Reading: John 11:38-44
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Tell about a time when you felt powerful. Why? What happened?
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Merciful God, accompany our journey through these forty days. Renew us in the gift of baptism, that we may provide for those who are poor, pray for those in need, fast from self-indulgence, and above all that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.
CONTEXT
Our series, That They May All Be One, we will focus on Jesus's life and ministry as he journeys to the cross. Easter people, we are also on a journey! A journey for Easter church to settle into one building together. A journey to rediscover Christianity that prioritizes care for our neighbor and discipleship that mirrors the transformative love of Jesus. A journey to notice Jesus in unexpected ways and as he unites us all in his life, death and resurrection. John 17:20-21 “I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Jesus does not let anyone remain in suffering or without community. Jesus calls us together! What will you do this Lent to come to closer to Jesus and to everyone in our community? How will we share God’s love in Jesus together, as one people?
From Dr Craig Koester at EntertheBible.org:
As the last sign before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the raising of Lazarus marks a pivotal point in the Gospel. The verses leading up to the raising of Lazarus center around Jesus’ own reactions and the meaning of the resurrection itself. The focus of the story is not so much on the moment when Lazarus comes out of the tomb but on the emotions displayed over Lazarus’ death and the dialogue especially between Jesus and Martha. 11:35, “Jesus began to weep” (NRSVUE) is known by many as the shortest verse in the Bible. It is no wonder that Jesus weeps because Lazarus is a good friend. But Jesus also weeps because the death of Lazarus foreshadows his own death. Jesus himself has to die as the incarnate Word. The dialogue leading up to the raising of Lazarus is important because this last sign has the potential to be misunderstood. Like John 5 and John 6, Jesus interprets the sign but here, before it happens. Jesus needs everyone to realize something different about the promise of the resurrection, that indeed there is a promised future resurrection, but that abundant life is also here and now with Jesus, “I am the resurrection and the life.” This is a central theme of the Gospel of John, that our future life with Jesus and God is actually known to us here and now in our relationship with the Father and the Son.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
The author of the book, Stranger God, Richard Beck, invites us to pay attention this Lent to how Jesus may show up to us in disguise. Where might have you seen Jesus in disguise this Lent so far?
Open to John 11:1. This story encompasses two entire chapters. What do we learn about the problem?
Lazarus originates from the Hebrew name Eleazar, meaning "God has helped" or "God is my help.” Why might this name be significant?
How is Jesus described in verse 38? Can Jesus fee like this...he is...Jesus? Why or why not?
Jesus is very “earthy” in this passage—meaning he has many human experiences. Why do you think John includes the “stench?”
What does Jesus say in verse 43? How might that connect to John 10:4? What does this say about God?
Jesus commands the people to unbind Lazarus and let him go? In what area of your life do you need to be unbound from “grave clothes?” In what areas does Easter Lutheran Church need to be unbound by “grave clothes” so new life can come forth?
This is the final “sign” Jesus performs in the gospel of John. This sign is what prompted others to have him arrested. Why might this sign—raising Lazarus from the dead—get Jesus in trouble?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Where are you seeing death and resurrection this week?
Sending Prayer
Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.