![]() In this episode, as per usual in John’s Gospel, Jesus is in control. ![]() He is a miracle worker, and nearly everything points to his divinity, especially the story this week about bringing his friend Lazarus back to life. We never see him as a child, and his first public witness is at the wedding at Cana, changing water into wine. In John’s Gospel, filled with allegories and theological reflections, Jesus is more in command. Matthew’s Gospel is seen as directed to Jesus’ Jewish heritage. Mark describes a staccato burst of activity, seemingly compiled by a reporter on the run, capturing snippets of Jesus’ preaching and activities. There he is run out of the place, a prophet who grated on some of his neighbors. Later, Jesus’ first public ministerial act is preaching in his hometown synagogue. Luke describes Jesus’ birth as a story of parents on the run, fleeing persecution. The rest of John can be the most difficult to comprehend among the four Gospels. Is it because some people feel desperate to commit suicide? Why are people of faith given devastating medical diagnoses when they have no faith? Why aren’t doctors and hospitals doing so much good? Are they not supernaturally protected against disease? Why is unemployment so devastating for families and natural disasters such as a loss of life? We suffer.This line from John’s Gospel is the shortest sentence in Scripture, one of the most elegant and easily understood. ![]() I have doubts about the tragedies I see and live through. Why did Marta and Maria have to take such pain? What was the point of Lazarus having to endure all this? Jesus arrived too late to save his life. A new life now and future life.Īfter I’ve finished reading the story about Jesus raising Lazarus from his grave, I have my doubts. It is the purpose of Jesus’ resurrection. The possibility of a new and better life is always possible, not only in the distant future but right now. Maybe we have no idea how to get out of the mess we find ourselves. Although Mary and Martha believed that Jesus was too late to help, we learn that there is no “too late” for God. At the foot of his tomb, Jesus calls him by name, and the crowd watches in disbelief as Lazarus gets up alive. Lazarus story does not end with his death. The Bible tells us that he loved Lazarus, even though he did not free him from his illness.ĪLSO READ 35 Healing scriptures for the mind and Thought For A new life It is also a comforting reminder that although we are suffering pain and it seems that Jesus is far from us, it is not because he does not love us. In any healthy relationship, we need to be open and honest with our loved ones, even when upset. María and Marta unburden themselves, and we can do it too. ![]() We also worship a God who can bear our frustration. Jesus Christ, the God we know, feels our pain and understands our loss. It comforts us to know that we do not worship a God who is insensitive in the face of misfortune. At that moment, Jesus felt the sorrow of Mary and Martha, their sense of helplessness, their pain, and their loss. Juan does not tell us, but I am convinced that it is out of empathy for the pain of those he loves. There is a debate about the reason for her crying. They knew that their brother would not have died if Jesus had come when called (John 11:21, 32).Īt that moment, while observing the pain of this family and community, Jesus begins to cry. Each in their way, they express their frustration. Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, are understandably upset by the lack of interest shown by Jesus. He informs his disciples that Lazarus’s illness will somehow be to God’s glory and that the Son Of God will be praised for it (John 11: 4).īy the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus is four days dead. Instead of changing his plans to visit his dear friend (John 11: 3), Jesus decides to stay where he is for a couple more days. Jesus is out of town when he learns of Lazarus’ illness. The one who is famous for being resurrected by Jesus. Jesus weeps when he comforts his friends Mary (and Martha), who are grieving the loss of their brother Lazarus. Although it is only 11 characters long, too short even for a tweet, that verse is enormously important, especially when it is difficult for us to find hope. The shortest verse in the Bible, at least in the New International Version, has only two words: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). 3 For A new life Jesus wept Meaning and bible verse
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