Read John 11-13
In the midst of the sorrow of Lazarus’ death there is the hope of life. Even Martha acknowledged this when Jesus assured her that her brother, Lazarus, would rise again in the resurrection on the last day. Jesus affirmed this in his response: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Martha affirmed her belief that this was so, but there was still the wrenching hurt that a loved one would no longer be with her, her family and her friends. Even Jesus was “deeply moved in spirit and was troubled”, so much so that “Jesus wept”.
Yes, loss of a loved one to death is a difficult time. Yet we are consoled by the help and support by the gospel (good news) of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
But not all were consoled by the words and actions of Jesus in this revealing event. The record says that some of those who were present “went away to the Pharisees and told them the things that Jesus had done…. So from that time they planned to kill Him.”
From the time of the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus began to prepare his disciples for His death. Mary, brother of Lazarus, anoints Jesus with a pound of very costly perfume. Judas complains, saying that the perfume could have been sold and the proceeds given to poor people. Jesus brings the event into His perspective, saying “Let her alone, in order that she may keep it for My burial.”
On the next day Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem and having entered gives a forecast of what was soon to occur: “The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified”. And He invites all who would to follow Him, “If anyone serves Me let him follow me; and where I am there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father shall honor him.”
The way ahead was not to be easy for Jesus: “Now my soul has become troubled, and what shall I say, ‘Father save me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I came to this hour.”
As He proceeded on this course Jesus taught in humility, washing the feet of His disciples. Peter said to Him, “Never shall you wash my feet.” Jesus assured him, “If I do not wash your feet you have no part with me.” ” If I, the Lord and teacher, washed your feet, you also ought
to wash one another’s feet, for I gave you an example that you should also do as I did for you.”
“Truly, truly, I say to you a slave is not greater than his master, neither is the one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.”
And Jesus gave us a new commandment: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”.
- Bill Twelker is an MPW (Ministry of Word & Prayer) at Adventure Church
