Movie 4 – Wonder
Leader Guide
In our movie this week, we see great courage and huge struggles. In our lives, we watch others suffer or we suffer ourselves. Let’s learn how to encourage ourselves and others while we lean on the love of Jesus.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Relay one time when you were terrified to start something new? Or watched someone you loved go through something terrifying?
2. Read John 11:32-35, ESV. What emotions did Jesus exhibit when He saw the grief of His friends? How does it affect you, that Jesus had these emotions? Have you ever let your friends down? Have you ever made half-hearted promises to help? What practical steps can you take to be present? Who is God wanting you to notice and care about?
Leader Note: Even though Jesus knew the outcome and that Lazarus would be raised, He wept. He entered into His friends’ pain. It should encourage us that Jesus cares! For us to be present and really care, we can turn off the TV and put down the phone and just listen!
3. Read 1 Peter 5:7, NIV. How does this verse give comfort? Who will be there in your struggles? What “size” troubles are worth “bothering” God with? Share one very small worry that God has carried for you. This week, care about something—even a small thing—that is bothering your friend, your child, your coworker. Begin to pray for them and that situation.
Leader Note: We are not perfect. But we can keep showing up, listening, and caring, just as God cares for us. We can pray and ask God to show up and work miracles. Nothing is too small to bring to God!
4. Read Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV. “Everyone is fighting hard battles... you just have to look.” Have you ever wanted to give up on a relationship? Have you ever been stuck and needed encouragement? Would it turn around if you took the time to apply this Hebrews passage? What practical things do these verses suggest? Would you take the time to “look” and not turn away? Would you ask God if He is okay with you giving up on this relationship or if He wants you to really work on loving that person?
Leader Note: Encourage others with truth, not fluffy lies. Pray about the encouraging truths you need to share with the people closest to you. Gather together (in weekend services, in Life Groups). Keep stirring up others with encouragement and the love of God.
5. Read John 11:25-26, ESV. Martha didn’t need someone to weep with her; she needed answers. She needed truth, not just comfort. What is the encouraging truth that Jesus shares to Martha? How can you remind others that Jesus wants to see them and know them?
Leader Note: The end of the story is that no matter what, God wins. Jesus has conquered death and we can be with Him forever. We can share the Good News of the resurrection of Jesus! Salvation is for everyone; all are welcome into the Kingdom of God!
6. Remember: God loves your face, no matter what you have done. Jesus wants to know you. Take courage and joy from His deep desire to know and love you!
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
7. This week, let’s look at the story of the raising of Lazarus and what it means for our lives. Read John 11:1-44, ESV.
a. Though Jesus knew about Lazarus’ illness, He did not rush to him. Read verse 4. What do you gather about God’s timing? LN: Jesus is never late, and God’s timing is perfect. It may not make sense to us, but it may be to bring glory to God when He delays in answering our prayers.
b. Jesus makes plain the situation in verses 11-15. What has happened? Who will benefit from the delay? LN: Jesus says that His disciples will believe even more because they will see what takes place. So, the delay was also for their benefit.
c. Earlier, the disciples have warned Jesus not to go to Bethany, towards Jerusalem (verses 7-8). What do you make of verse 16? LN: I see great courage among His followers: they warned Him, but were willing to follow, even if it meant death. That was some encouragement to the Lord, I’m sure!
d. Martha went and confronted Jesus directly and immediately. What do you learn from their conversation (verses 20-27)? LN: Martha boldly confronts Jesus: “if You had come” but she also has faith: “You can still...” And because she almost demands an answer, Jesus replies with one of the greatest promises in the Bible: “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” And He questions Martha, who believes He is the Messiah, the Christ. Also, we can directly confront with our doubts and ask God for wisdom and understanding.
e. Mary’s conversation with Jesus was one of deep grief. See verses 29-36. What excuse did Jesus make? What words of comfort? LN: He did not make excuses or use platitudes. He wept with Mary in her grief, then proceeded to the grave.
f. Jesus came late to the sick bed so that the Glory of God and the Son of Man might be revealed. What happened to reveal God’s power? Read verses 39-44. LN: He prayed aloud to God (so others could hear and believe) and God answered His prayer. He called for Lazarus to come out of the grave – and he did. Some commentators mention that Jesus has power over all death and hades. Therefore, He specifically called Lazarus by name so that ONLY Lazarus was released from the power of the grave.