Today, Jesus goes to Lazarus’ tomb and tells him to, “Come out!” and he does.
Our last reading had Jesus out teaching people where John the Baptist had done his ministry. He got a message that his friend Lazarus was sick. His sisters sent word that, “The one you love is sick.” This phrase means that Jesus considered this man a close friend. I love this deeply human side of Jesus. He has his disciples who were his friends and some of them were very close with him.
But, there’s also this trio of two sisters and a brother who Jesus called friends. He simply liked to be with them and enjoyed their company. Isn’t that an awesome thought? Our Savior simply enjoys our company. Luke’s Gospel, gives us the story of the two sisters having Jesus over for dinner. Mary sat at his feet while Martha scurried around and did all of the work. Martha asked Jesus to intervene and he told her that Mary was doing the right thing, spending time with him instead of worrying about worldly chores. I don’t know about you, but those are words I should pay more attention to.
So, Mary and Martha have sent word that Lazarus was very ill. Jesus decides to wait two more days before responding. Of course, Jesus knows Lazarus is going to die, but as always, he has a plan. He tells the disciples they are heading back to Judea. The disciples aren’t happy about this and remind him the Jews in Judea tried to stone him when they were there last.
Then he drops the bomb on them and tells them that Lazarus has died.(Notice, he calls him a friend.) He tells them he’s happy he wasn’t there to prevent the death, because he wants them to believe. Then Thomas, who we love to remember as the doubter after the resurrection, shows a devoted, fearless side. He says he’s willing to die too.
When they got close and Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she ran out to meet him. I think the conversation that followed is one of the most beautiful in the Bible. She addresses him as Lord and then says that she knows that Lazarus wouldn’t have died if he would have been there, but here’s the HUGE faith statement: “But I know even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus asks her if she believes in him; she doesn’t miss a beat as she looks Jesus in the eye as she says, “I believe you are the Son of God who has come into the world.” Then Martha sends word to Mary that the Teacher is asking for her. The fact that she called him teacher is very significant because rabbis refused to teach women. Jesus spent a great deal of time teaching them. I’ll say it again, here, Christianity is unique.
Mary dashes out the door to find Jesus. (with a crowd following behind her) We would all be better off if we ran towards Jesus when he calls us. She falls at his feet, weeping. Mary always seems to get this right. She regularly placed herself at the feet of Jesus, another fabulous example for us all.
Then, Jesus wept. This action speaks so loudly for our compassionate Savior. He loved Lazarus. He loved Martha and Mary. He loved all people and he knew how devastating losing someone we love is. He knew that death is not the end and he knew that we will all be reunited again someday, but he also knew at that moment, the pain all of Lazarus’ family was experiencing. What a merciful God we serve!
He goes to the tomb and tells them to take away the stone. Ever efficient Martha, reminds him that there will be a smell at this point. He’s been dead four days. Aren’t we all guilty of letting our human understanding cloud our belief and faith in the Divine?
Jesus prays and then he calls Lazarus and out walks an alive and well Lazarus in his grave-clothes. Jesus tells them to take off the grave-clothes and let him go. That’s where we end it.
What did you think about today’s reading? I’d love to hear from you.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂