The Gospel for this Fifth Sunday in Lent is the famous story of Lazarus’ resurrection from John 11. The outline of events in John 11:1-44 is fairly simple. Jesus is east of the Jordan, teaching and healing, when a message arrives that His friend Lazarus is sick. Jesus continues His work, and then, despite warnings of danger, He goes to see Lazarus’ family. By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been dead for 4 days. After speaking with the sisters Mary and Martha, Jesus offers a public prayer and raises Lazarus.
Both the storyline and the dialogues interspersed in it point to a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity and work. Raising one who has clearly been dead and buried for several days is a unique miracle. It is not the act of any mere teacher, healer, or prophet. It is a sign of the Messiah, the Christ, and it is an act that asks for a spiritual response. Those who know of it should do as Martha does and confess faith in Jesus as the Christ.
In the verses that follow the raising of Lazarus (John 11:45-53), many believe in Jesus, but others, especially those with power, are frightened and angered. Some plot to eliminate Jesus as a threat to the religious and political establishment. Their reaction points us toward Christ's coming Passion. It reminds us that His very goodness leads to His death. His victory over death in raising Lazarus also anticipates His own victory.
Jesus' great miracle confronted His contemporaries with a choice. They had to decide if He really was the Messiah, the Redeemer. And this miracle leads to totally different reactions: some people have faith in Jesus; others oppose Him and even seek to destroy Him. We still face the same choices in our lives. Will we allow the goodness and grace of Jesus Christ to produce faith, or will we resist grace and oppose Him? May divine grace lead us to believe in Him and follow Him, even on the way to the Cross!
No comments:
Post a Comment