We’ve come to the final encounter in our Lenten Journey in John 11:1-45. Jesus receives word that his friend, Lazarus, has died. Jesus and his disciples were staying on the other side of the Jordan, out of reach of those who tried to stone him to death. Now, Jesus decides that it is time to return to Jerusalem and face his own death.
This story is a crucial moment in the Gospel of John. It is a pivot point. Jesus is about to ride into Jerusalem and face his death. Here, in Bethany, he has three important encounters that offer us three insights into Jesus and into the life of discipleship.
First, he talks to Martha and connects with her mind. They discuss the theology of death and resurrection. Jesus claims that he is the resurrection and the life. This is our hope, no matter how bad things get.
Second, he talks to Mary and connects with her heart. She is grieving and her pain breaks Jesus’ heart. He weeps. This is the love of God. It does not stand in judgment. It sits with empathy and compassion.
Finally, he encounters Lazarus and connects with his body. He raises it from the dead. This is a foreshadowing of what is to come. Jesus will walk through crucifixion, death and burial. We will face many trials along the way. All of our journeys end in death. Yet, death does not have the last word. Jesus has the last word, and his word is LIFE—in mind, spirit, and body!
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