15 Invitations From Jesus To...Come Closer

1.Chapter 1: Come for Abundance 'I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.' John 10:10b 1.Who is the mostaliveperson you know? What is attractive about that person? When have you felt the most alive, and whendon'tyou? 2.Re-read John 5:1-15. Where do you notice death, the facets of death? How does Jesus challenge death? Read John 5:16-18. What reaction does Jesus get? How do you see the same reaction when you challenge death? 3.Compare the John 5 passage with Matt. 16:25. How does what you cling to, prohibit life? 4.Read Galatians 2:20 out loud (even if you are alone). Let the words sink into your soul. What difference will Jesus' promise make for you?2.Chapter 2: Come from Death 'Lazarus, come forth!' John 11:43 1.In chapter 1, we find Jesus offering life, and now we plunge into the death of Lazarus. This is reality, isn't it? We seek life and then death confronts us at every turn. When do you see that? 2.When do you feel abandoned by Jesus, like Mary and Martha, who said, 'If you'd been here, this wouldn't have happened'? (John 11:21, 32) You expect life and death shows up instead? What do you do to fight for life? 3.When I encountered Jesus' tears at Lazarus's death, it struck me that Jesus was mourning more than the loss of his friend. [Some scholars even told me that Jesus wasn't really mourning, and I had to protest to keep this part of the book's text.

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