AUGUST 3 PERSPECTIVE and believing

JOHN 11:17-44

⁴¹So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upwards and said, ‘Father, I thank you for having heard me. ⁴²I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.’ 

Listening to this text from the Bible, I was struck by the amount of emotion that Jesus exhibited.  Not being well versed in the Bible, it surprised me that Jesus weeps. The friends and family of Lazarus take almost a negative tone, and it could be interpreted as admonishment- a rebuke.  For though Jesus weeps, they believe Jesus should have prevented Lazarus’ death.  What is Jesus feeling here? Grief for Lazarus?  Exasperation for not believing that Jesus is the Son of God?

And then Jesus has an exchange with Martha, in front of these distraught family members. ⁴⁰Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’

And then Jesus appeals to God, simultaneously reminding the group that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus doesn’t say, “Look I am going to do something that will tell you who I am.  I am going to bring back Lazarus.”  Jesus tells the group that God will show His Glory- but he doesn’t say how.

And then Lazarus rises from the dead.

Not what I would be expecting.

 

Funny how as humans, we don’t “get it”. Clearly, there are paths for people, and guidance, and wisdom, and solace in God and in Jesus.  And this is why we humans search for meaning. 

Are we too close to our own personal situations that we forget to see how God is victorious? 

Can we look out beyond ourselves, to see and believe? 

Something to think about when I get bogged down in the daily grind.

I am, a Renewed Christian