Going Deeper in “Everyday is a Fresh Start”
Read the following a few times:
John 11:17-44; Lam 3:22-23; 2 Cor 5:17; Is 43:18-19
Reflect on the following:
1. If you had 30 days to live, what would really matter to you? What are a few things you’d do differently?
2. How is everyday a fresh start at living with intention as if each moment matters? How can we begin to see each day as a gift?
3. How does Martha show both faith and grief with Jesus? How do you personally balance faith and times of sorrow?
4. Both Mary and Martha express disappointment. How do you respond when you feel like God is late?
5. Jesus challenges Martha's doubt. In what ways does Jesus invite us to trust Him even when we don’t understand?
6. “Jesus wept.” What does Jesus’ weeping tell us about God’s compassion? How can this shape how we comfort others?
7. Jesus gives thanks before the miracle happens. How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust even before we see answers to prayer?
8. Jesus offers more than future hope—He offers life now. What would change if you truly lived like Jesus is your life today?
9. “Take away the stone.” Martha protests for fear of the odor. What is one “stone” in your life Jesus might be asking you to roll away?
10. “Lazarus, come out!” Jesus speaks life into death. What part of your life needs resurrection?
11. “Unbind him and let him go.” Jesus raises Lazarus, but others unwrap him. How can you help set others free? Who has helped unbind you?
12. “Some believed… others plotted.” Not all who saw believed. Why do some resist even when God is clearly moving?
Challenges
1. Trust Challenge: Identify one area in your life where you feel like “Lazarus in the tomb”—stuck, discouraged, or grieving. Invite Jesus into that place this week through intentional prayer, trusting that He brings life and light even in the darkest moments.
2. Unbinding Challenge: Think of someone in your life or community who may feel “bound” by grief, loneliness, or despair. Reach out with a word of encouragement, an act of kindness, being the hands and feet of Christ to help “unbind” them.