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READ: John 12:1-19

FIRE◆STARTER

THINK: If you’ve attended church for any length of time, you’ve probably seen a lot of people offer praise and worship to God. No doubt the expressions have been varied. Some people tend to be contemplative and reserved, while others seem more emotional and exuberant. Both sincere worship and shallow worship can assume a variety of forms, postures and expressions. The difference is that truly sincere and fully devoted worshipers are willing to take their expressions of affection outside of the typical worship context. In everyday life settings they do things that truly honor and exalt Jesus. Sincere worshipers are not inhibited by what other people think of their passion for Jesus, and they are prepared to honor Him even when it costs them dearly.

RESPOND: What do Mary’s actions toward Jesus indicate about her devotion to Him? (See 12:3 note.) What were some of the unusual aspects of Mary’s actions, and what do they reveal about her character and attitude toward Jesus? Why did Jesus rebuke Judas and accept Mary’s extravagant gift? What does this reveal about how much Jesus appreciates special attention and affection from His followers? Why do you think the crowd praised Jesus as He entered Jerusalem? In what way was it significant that Jesus rode into the city on a donkey? Do you think the crowd was sincere in their praise? Why or why not? What are the dangers of basing one’s faith in Jesus on specific signs or miracles? How can you develop and demonstrate deep devotion to Jesus, like Mary and her family had?

PRAY: Ask Jesus to help you develop a more bold yet humble devotion to Him—a devotion that is willing to demonstrate love and appreciation for Jesus, regardless of what others think.

ACT: Think of something special you can do to express devotion to Jesus. It could be anything from volunteering to minister in some way at church, to serving someone in need, to writing a poem or creating a piece of art in honor of Him. This should cost you in some way—time, effort, money, or willingness to overcome fear or self-consciousness

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READ: John 11:17-57

THINK: Why are people so fascinated with the supernatural? Most are open to spiritual issues on some level, even if it has nothing to do with God as revealed in the Bible. Perhaps the underlying reason for curiosity about spirituality is humankind’s innate desire and hope for something beyond this life. For Christ’s followers, this is more than wishful thinking, because their hope is assured. It is a reality which has been guaranteed by the resurrection of their Leader. Jesus is the only One to have conquered death, and He is the only One who can grant eternal life.

RESPOND: How would you describe Martha’s faith based on her statements in verse 21-24, 27? (See 11:27 note.) What does Jesus mean in saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”? (See 11:25-26 note.) What can you tell about Jesus from His response to Mary and the other mourners? (See 11:33 and 11:35 notes.) What can you learn from His example? What comfort can you take from the fact that “Jesus wept”? What does the raising of Lazarus from the dead reveal about the nature and character of Jesus? (See 11:44 note.) What were the Pharisees and members of the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council) really worried about in regard to Jesus (vv. 47-48)? How is their attitude like that of many people today—even some in the Church? Whom would Jesus’ death affect? (See 11:52 note.)

PRAY: Thank Jesus for the hope of resurrection so you can live with Him forever. Ask Him to give you faith to trust Him in desperate times as well as in normal times. Pray also for a greater sense of empathy and compas- sion for people who are hurting and need comfort, hope or a miracle from Jesus.

ACT: Find a way to demonstrate compassion for someone who is hurting. If you know someone who is currently grieving over a tragedy, try to encourage him or her. This may involve an action, a written note, simple words of kindness or just being with the person. Also, think of anyone you know who has gone to be with Jesus. Give God thanks for bringing them home to heaven and for the fact that you’ll see them there.

READ: John 11:1-16

FIREuSTARTER

THINK: Are you a patient person? If not, you’re probably well aware of the fact that God’s timing seldom fits our preferred schedules. Yet, if you try to get ahead of God—or if you give up too soon and aren’t ready to respond at all—you could forfeit a valuable lesson and miss what God has in store for you. Remember, God’s most extraordi- nary works will never happen the way you expect. They’ll go far beyond your plans, expectations and imagination.

RESPOND: Why is an apparent tragedy or terminal illness not a hopeless situation for a person who knows Jesus? (See 11:4 note.) In what ways can Jesus be honored through tragic situations? Why do people who are deeply devoted to God still suffer deeply at times? (See 11:5 note.) Why did Jesus not leave for Bethany as soon as He received the message about Lazarus? (See 11:6 note.) What do you tend to do in situations when it seems that God is silent or unresponsive? Why? What do you think God expects of you and wants you to do in times like this? What do you think He might be trying to teach you?

PRAY: Thank Jesus for His love and friendship. Thank Him for doing things in His time—the right time—and ask Him to help you trust Him, regardless of the circumstances. Pray for someone who has recently faced a tragedy. Ask God to do something through this situation to honor himself and bring people closer to Him.

ACT: Are you currently facing a situation in which you feel that God is silent or unresponsive. Perhaps you’re becoming impatient with God’s timing. Exercise your faith and demonstrate dependence on God by entrusting the situation to Him once again. But this time, don’t simply pray for an answer. Instead, ask God to do things in His time and way. Ask Him to honor himself and to help you grow closer to Him as you wait for His answer. Then consider what God might be preparing to do in this situation. Also, check up on the person you just prayed for who has faced a tragedy. Be sensitive not to open emotional wounds, but simply see how they’re doing and let them know that you are thinking and praying for them.

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READ: John 10:22-42

THINK: Who are you listening to? There are a lot of voices in the world vying for your attention, bombarding you with a myriad of messages aimed at influencing you in one way or another. Some are worthwhile; many are not. Some you choose to listen to, and some you can’t seem to ignore. It can be difficult to hear what’s really important through all of the noise. As you sift through the chatter, consider whether what you hear builds you up, benefits you spiritually and brings you or anyone else closer to God. Above all, does it help you to discern God’s voice, or does it distract you from hearing Him. Perhaps it’s time to tune out some noise so you can tune in to God.

RESPOND: What does Jesus mean in saying, “My sheep listen to my voice”? (See 10:27 note.) How do people truly “hear” and listen to Jesus? What do the words “listen” and “follow” imply (v. 27)? What comfort and encouragement can you take from verses 28-29? (See 10:28 note.) In reality, what is the only thing that can remove you from the life and purpose God intends for you? What was the people’s main issue and accusation against Jesus (cf. vv 30-33, 36)? What do Jesus’ claims in this passage mean to you personally? What does it mean that the Law referred to people as “gods”? (See 10:34 note.) In what way does this relate to how people should view Jesus and how they should (or should not) view themselves?

PRAY: Ask Jesus to help you always listen and discern His voice and to follow His lead. Thank Him for giving you eternal life and for the fact that no one and nothing—outside of your own choice—can take you away from Him.

ACT: Once again, as you may have practiced a few days ago, go through the day making a conscious effort to listen for God’s direction in all you do. (Listening to God’s side of the communication is a vital prayer discipline.) This does not mean that you have to stop for a length of time before every decision. But make choices and do things based on a desire to honor God and reflect His character. Remember, don’t just aim to hear but also to follow God’s direction, obeying what you sense He’s saying to you.

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