Leader Note: Assume someone at your table is grieving, even if they don't say so. Nobody has to share a loss. If someone does, thank them, let there be silence, and don't rush to fix it or explain it. Avoid phrases like "everything happens for a reason" or "they're in a better place now" unless the person grieving says it first. If a person is angry at God, let them say it. Martha said it to Jesus's face, and he didn't leave.
START HERE
(Table leaders: choose 1–2)
- What stood out to you from tonight?
- What was your gut reaction to "Jesus loved them, so he stayed two days longer"?
- Martha and Mary both said, "If You had been here..." Have you ever felt that way toward God?
- What surprised you about how Jesus responded to each sister?
GO DEEPER
(Table leaders: choose 1–2 if time allows)
- Why do you think Jesus wept, even though he knew he was about to raise Lazarus?
- What's the difference between grieving with hope and grieving without it?
- How has loss affected the way you think about God — positively, negatively, or somewhere in between?
- Why do you think so many of us believe strong faith means not falling apart?
- Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life... Do you believe this?" What's your honest answer right now?
- What has helped you most when you've been grieving? What hasn't helped?
- What about this story is easy for you to believe... and what's harder?
NEXT STEP
(Table leaders: choose 1 before you end)
- Is there a loss you need to be honest with God about this week?
- Who in your life might need someone to help "unbind" them right now? What's one way you could show up for them?
- Is there anything from tonight you want to keep thinking about this week?
Optional: "Before you leave, is there anyone or anything your table can pray with you about?"
