Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
It Is Finished
Scripture
Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture He said, "I am thirsty." A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to His lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
Main Idea
In a world and time where we have begun to expect immediate answers or gratification, waiting on the Lord can be a difficult task. Martha and Mary sent a message to Jesus about their brother Lazarus being sick. Jesus got the message but still waited before going to see Lazarus. We all know Lazarus died and was in the tomb four days before Jesus got there. All hope seemed lost and perhaps Mary and Martha were frustrated that Jesus didn't get there sooner. Jesus had bigger plans and despite how long you have been waiting, God has you and your answer. From His perspecitve your answer, your provision, your deliverance is finished. The timing might not be perfect to you but in God's perspective it is.
Sometimes when you are going through a hard time, you need to call the person who will challenge you, not agree with you.
Discussion Questions
- What are you going through right now that you are "waiting" on God to answer? How long have you been waiting?
- For the thing you are waiting on, what are you doing in the waiting time? Do you really believe God and how are you trusting Him with it?
- Why are we quicker to blame God for His perceieved "Absence" vs asking God what He has planned for us through the waiting?
Summary
Lazarus, Martha, and Mary were friends of Jesus. While Jesus was ministering, Martha and Mary sent Him a message about their brother Lazarus being sick (John 11:1-7 NIV). Instead of Jesus immediately returning to Bethany, He continued to minister and waited. He even said, "This sickness will not end in death." Even then Jesus knew the story would include death but would not end there.
As Jesus returned to Bethany, both Martha and Mary challenged Him. They knew if Jesus was there that Lazarus probably would not have died. You could tell they had convinced each other that "If only..." Rather than trusting God, they got a little frustrated. We can do that too at times and need other believers to challenge us to trust God; knowing that your circumstances won't end in defeat either.
God's work for you was finished at the cross and you are forever redeemed because of what Jesus has done. Your salvation and grace for heaven has been provided. In the same way we have received Jesus, we can walk in Him knowing He has provided good for us. We need to trust in Him.
Take Action
- Review what you have been seeking God about or trusting God to deliver you from in your life.
- Ask God what He wants to do through you while you are waiting and listening to His word? Trust Him and His word because from His vantage point, your trial "is finished".
- Invite someone to Easter services to experience Jesus' finished work.
Announcements
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- Good Friday Service - 7pm on 4/3
- Easter Sunday Services - 8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am on 4/5
