Speaker: Charles Lim
MAIN SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
1 Peter 3:13-18; 4:1-5
John 11:1-44
INTRODUCTION
The Fall of humankind in Genesis 3 led to pain being introduced into the world, with Eve promised “pains in childbearing” (v16) and Adam promised “painful toil” (v17) as he continued to work the land for food. The consequence of sin was universal suffering, leading to death.
With Jesus, a facet of suffering was revealed in more depth. Already foreshadowed in part in the Old Testament, for example, in Isaiah’s prophecies of the suffering servant (see 52:13-53:12), Jesus demonstrated that God’s chosen people suffered, too, not just due to their own sin but also because of the sin in the world. Suffering could furthermore have a redemptive quality, should God allow it.
In light of Him, the church – including us – can welcome an identity as a fellowship of suffering, possibly the deepest fellowship. We can find purpose in our pain. We can have peace and take heart, for He has overcome the world!
DISCUSSION
a. How did you respond?
b. What do you think God was doing in your suffering?
a. Notice that in verse 17, Paul distinguishes between suffering as a result of doing good and suffering as a result of doing evil.
(i) What might these look like today?
(ii) Why does Paul say it is better to suffer for what is right?
b. How might we encourage those who are suffering for what is right?
a. How might Jesus have been thinking and feeling throughout this passage?
(i) From what He said, why did Jesus not visit Lazarus before he died? Why did Jesus allow him to suffer?
b. What do you think, and how do you feel about Jesus as He presents Himself here?
a. Compare how Martha and Mary responded to Jesus in their grief.
(i) Why did they respond the way they did?
(ii) How would you have responded if you were in their position?
a. Why was Jesus moved (v33, 38)? What do His actions tell you about Him?
b. What was the purpose of Lazarus’ death and Martha’s and Mary’s pain?
c. What was the fellowship that resulted from suffering here?
a. How might you pray for the people around you who are suffering?
WHAT WILL YOU DO
The following is an extract from Remember God (2021), a book by Mrs Alice Chua, widow of former Keppel Group Managing Director Mr Chua Chor Teck. Mr Chua died of liver cancer at the age of 47. In the hospital, both Mr and Mrs Chua became Christians.
As you read, reflect: Where was God in Mrs Chua’s suffering? Where might He be in yours?
The night after Chor Teck’s burial was a real test of strength and faith. For two months now, I had been sleeping on the sofa in Chor Teck’s hospital room. To come back now to the king size bed and sleep alone in that big room – it was so depressing. I cried to the Lord, ‘God, where are you?’
After a long time, I began to feel God’s comforting presence. It soothed my mind and my heart. It was like a raging storm had stilled.
A doctor friend of mine had given me sleeping pills in case I had trouble sleeping. Indeed, it was not easy to fall asleep. There were numerous decisions looming over my mind. Chor Teck and I had made many plans for our life together and for the children, and now I was left to do it all alone.
But I did not need to touch the pills that night (or indeed any night after). By the sheer grace of God, I slept through the storm.
In those dark times, one way God kept me was by graciously blessing me with the ability to speak in tongues. This does not make me a more spiritual or more faithful Christian. Rather, it helps me to pray when I do not know what to say, to cry out to God even when I cannot understand what He is doing in the challenges facing me. Praying in tongues allows His Spirit who knows all things to lift my prayers to Him. It connects me to God. Through those difficult years, this was one way God grew me in my prayer life, sustained my faith, and brought me to love Him more.
Although Chor Teck never had time for God in his busy life, God had time for him. He was given time to hear the gospel and receive Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. While in the hospital, he even told me of a vision he had seen of Jesus waiting under a tree and saying to him, ‘because of your faith.’
In the beginning, we both thought that meant that with faith, he would receive healing. But God’s plans and purposes are infinitely wider, longer, higher, deeper than we can possibly comprehend. His plan was far more spectacular – the salvation of the entire family. In the decades since Chor Teck’s passing, it has been my privilege to witness that salvation unfolding before my eyes.