This Easter we’re going to be reading John 11 about the remarkable day when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead!
Lazarus is Jesus’ friend, and the brother of Mary and Martha. When confronted by his friends death Jesus is deeply moved in Spirit and troubled (v33). His initial response isn’t to problem solve, but to weep. So we read the shortest verse in the Bible: ‘Jesus wept’ (v35).
Death for Christians is not to be trivialised or skimmed over as if it doesn’t matter. Death is the great enemy to life and joy and hope. Death is the great breaker of relationships and the loss of a loved one alters us in significant and often permanent ways.
However, Jesus goes further than to simply mourn – he is the powerful God of the universe and he calls Lazarus from the grave as easily as you and I rouse a drowsy friend from sleep.
Come along this Easter as we stare death in the face and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection power.
Yours in Christ,
Ben
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