Even Jesus weeps at the grave. Grief is too close to many of us each day, but the community of faith is here to support us, and we too await the sound of our name as Jesus calls us to life.
Worship this week – Saturday, 5:00 p.m. in Chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School/Fellowship
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
March 9, 2014
John 11:1-44
Key Verses: “[Jesus] cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’” John 11:43-44
Time: 27-30 CE
Background: Mary and Martha were friends and followers of Jesus. Jesus’ decision to delay his journey two more days, knowing Lazarus was dying, was to show God’s glory. (They believed a person’s spirit remained for three days after death, so Lazarus’ four days meant he was really, truly dead.) Still, even knowing he was going to raise Lazarus, Jesus was moved to tears. His emotion showed that he (and God, perhaps) is not unmoved by our plight.
Martha and Mary were both upset with Jesus for delaying his return. Both had faith that he could have prevented Lazarus’ death, even though neither could have foreseen the miracle of his resurrection. This was the last of seven signs in John’s gospel that Jesus performed for God’s glory.
Community: Where do you see your community gather to support one another in times of grief or suffering? How does community support contribute to the healing process? How does the community witness to miracles or celebrations when they occur, and what difference do their stories make to the community at large?
At Home: If you are in need of a miracle, ask boldly for one. Be open to God’s response.
Read This Week:
Monday, Mar 10, The Bread from Heaven, John 6:22-34
Tuesday, Mar 11, The Words of Eternal Life, John 6:60-71
Wednesday, Mar 12, The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers, John 7:1-9
Thursday, Mar 13, Jesus at the Festival of Booths, John 7:10-24
Friday, Mar 14, Is This the Christ? John 7:25-31
Saturday, Mar 15, Officers Are Sent to Arrest Jesus, John 7:32-36
Next Week: Sunday, Mar 16, Foot Washing, John 13:1-17
