Category: John

Read John 12:1-11

Today’s reading is a beautiful example of expressing our love for Jesus extravagantly. When is the last time you gave Jesus way more than you could afford in terms of possessions or time? Too many people show up for church on Sunday and think they’ve done their “deed” for the week, refueled their tank, so to speak. We were created for so much more than that.

Let’s take a look at the characters in our reading today. We have Jesus and his disciples returning to Bethany (which we already know is unsafe territory for him right now). We have Lazarus with his two sisters, Martha and Mary. Jesus was the guest of honor at what appears to be a “thank you” dinner for bringing Lazarus back to life. Although a dinner would never be sufficient thanks for something so grand. We also have an unnamed group of people, gawkers I’ll call them, wanting to see Jesus. Even the religious leaders have a bit of a cameo appearance, although not dinner guests. Continue reading “John 12:1-11 – Extravagant Love”

Read John 11:45-57

There is one in every crowd, isn’t there? A tattletale, a trouble maker, someone that just isn’t a fan. Jesus knew that raising Lazarus from the dead would cause a stir, not to mention be dangerous. It was worth it. God was glorified. People believed in him. Bethany was close to Jerusalem, too, and there were people there who were devoted to their religious leaders. These were probably the curious ones who wanted to see what Jesus was doing. They would be afraid to believe and anxious to report the unbelievable. Continue reading “John 11:45-57 – It’s Dangerous!”

Read John 11:38-44

If you haven’t read the last two reflections, you might want to do so to get the full impact of this text. We have seen Martha, Mary, and even Jesus grief-stricken at the death of their brother and friend, Lazarus. However, even before he died, Jesus knew this moment would come. God was going to be glorified. The people should finally believe that he had been sent by God. Jesus called on God by saying, “Father.” There should be no doubt.

Details. Martha was worried about the stench. Yes, we know that the smell of death and decay is not at all pleasant, but Jesus was looking at the big picture. He wanted them to have faith in what he could do. He was about to bring a man back to life calling on the power from God above. The smell would dissipate and because Lazarus would no longer be dead the wretched smell would soon be gone. Continue reading “John 11:38-44 – He’s Not Dead”

Read John 11:17-37

Jesus has now safely arrived in Bethany. News of his arrival reached Martha and Mary.  Mary stayed behind and Martha rushed to meet Jesus. You can imagine the scene. There are many friends gathered to pay their respects. It would be awkward if both sisters took off at the same time. But why didn’t Jesus just show up at the house, too? Continue reading “John 11:17-37 – Jesus Grieves”

Read John 11:1-16

This is a difficult text. If you’ve ever had a friend or loved one who is dying, it is hard to watch them slip away. It seems we are never ready to say goodbye. As followers of Jesus, we have the hope and assurance that death is not the end. It may be the end of our relationship with that person on earth, but it is only the beginning of a new life for that person in the arms of the Savior. The mourning is ours alone.

In today’s reading, we see Jesus being given news of his dear friend’s illness and impending death. The difference here is that Jesus knows what is to happen with his friend, Lazarus. Jesus knows he doesn’t have to rush off to say his final goodbyes. Had he done so, the plan of receiving glory from the situation would not have worked. But how hard must it have been to stay away knowing his friends were in agony. Continue reading “John 11:1-16 – A Dying Friend”