Jesus' ministry is one of enactment, of fulfillment, of consummation. He doesn't come to just bring salvation in theory; He really does it.
Some things that I really appreciate about this chapter:
- When Jesus gets the news about John's illness, He doesn't hurry off. He remains unperturbed and takes His time.
- Thomas has a moment to shine. He often gets the rap for being a "doubting Thomas." At least here we get a glimpse of his devotion and commitment to Christ.
- Are there hints of accusation in Martha and Mary's greeting? "If you had been here, my brother would not have died."
- We are reminded that Jesus is fully human - as well as fully God. He experiences emotions. With that shortest verse in the Bible (the favorite of Confirmation students everywhere who are required to memorize scripture verses), we hear "He wept."
- I love how vividly the resurrection scene is described. There's a cave with a stone. There is the smell of death in the air. Lazarus comes out still bound and wrapped up. This would have been one of my favorite miracles to witness.
- "It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." Spoken as political strategy by Caiaphas; revealed as spiritual truth in what is about to happen.
I think the transition from v.44 to v.45 shows something that can still ring true today. Jesus just raised Lazarus from the dead, and told them to take off his grave clothes and let him go. In my mind, I am picturing what that scene would look like as the people gathered around him, hugging and kissing him, crying, so happy to have him back. And sure a few of the Jews who were there believed. But the focus of the text quickly moves to the plot to kill Jesus. The Jews there were amazed for about second, then went along with how all of this would impact THEM, and what THEY needed to do. I think this is something a lot of us can still do today. We can see something amazing, and be in awe for a moment or two. But then we can quickly snap back to our little worlds and point out negatives, or judge what just happened, instead of soaking in what just happened.
ReplyDeleteHere is this man, talking about the kingdom of heaven, walking around doing all kinds os supernatural stuff, saying He has always been and is one with God. Is there awe and wonder? Does the church recognize that the words of the prophets are being fulfilled? No, they see Him as a threat to their status quo.....and want Him dead.
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