No matter how many ointments and spices were placed on a body, the smell of decay would have been awful after four days in the tomb. Jesus requested the stone covering of the tomb to be removed. Keep in mind it was the custom to place bodies temporarily in covered caves (tombs) until only the bones remained, after which the bones were placed in a family ossuary (bone box). Now, it was time to put feet to her faith. She heard Jesus claim to be the Resurrection. She publicly professed her faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Martha expressed her belief in the coming resurrection. Like many present day fault finders, some intimated that Jesus had failed Lazarus by arriving too late to save him. Not everyone found Jesus’ compassionate weeping to be heartwarming. This description immediately follows verse 35. From the observing crowd’s perspective, Jesus wept because of His love for His friend. This description immediately precedes verse 35. What made Him weep? Was it the loss of His friend? Was it the faith of Lazarus’ family? Was it the foreknowledge that a threat against Lazarus would arise after Jesus raised him from the dead (12:9–11)? Was it that He knew even an impossible restoration would not convince unbelievers?įrom the evangelist’s perspective, Jesus was “deeply moved and troubled” when He saw Mary and the not-yet-believing Jews crying. She confessed to the Master, “I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.” Like Martha, Mary expressed belief that Jesus could have prevented Lazarus’ death. Jesus revealed, “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” and asked Martha if she believed. Martha confessed her belief that Lazarus would arise in the resurrection. Our focal passage this week immediately follows Jesus’ conversations with Martha and Mary, sisters who shared a home with their brother Lazarus. What pastor fails to come when he is notified of an illness or death? Jesus was the shepherd who did not visit Lazarus in his sickbed in Bethany, who did not officiate at his funeral and who delayed His visit to the family home until several days later. Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile I AM THE RESURRECTION John 11:32–46
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |