We are now on the last Sunday of the Lenten season before we enter the climax of love in the life of Jesus. In today’s Gospel, we hear that Jesus received news that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was seriously ill. Despite this, Jesus did not rush, he delayed going to Bethany until Lazarus had died.
Despite the grief of those around him, Jesus demonstrates his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. This miracle serves as a prelude to Jesus' own resurrection and highlights his divinity and ability to give eternal life to those who believe in him. Another important theme in this story is the role of faith in the life of a believer. Martha tells Jesus that she believes that he is the Son of God, and this confession of faith serves as the basis for Jesus' miracle.
Jesus tells her that whoever believes in him, even if he dies, will live. This emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus as the key to eternal life. The most striking aspect of this passage is the way it demonstrates the compassion of Jesus for those who are grieving. When Jesus saw the sorrow of Mary and Martha, he was moved, wept, and showed deep empathy for their loss.
As a seminarian, the raising of Lazarus in the Gospel of John serves as a powerful reminder of the miraculous power of God, and the importance of placing our faith and trust in Jesus. This event demonstrates Jesus' ability to conquer death and manifest his divinity as the Son of God. It also reveals the deep love and compassion of Jesus for his followers. This is explained by the fact that he wept with Mary and Martha and then raised Lazarus from his tomb.
As future ministers, this passage challenges us to deepen our faith and trust in Jesus, and to rely on his power and love. We are called to bring healing and restoration to those we serve. Just as Jesus was moved with compassion for those who were grieving, we too must be willing to share the pain and suffering of those around us and to offer hope and comfort in the midst of difficult circumstances.
At last, the raising of Lazarus points us toward the reality of Christ's resurrection and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in him.
