Sunday 31 October 2021

Psalm 24

Background

Today’s passage describes the culmination of a scene that began in John 11:1, when we are told that Lazarus is seriously ill. Although Lazarus only appears by name in John’s Gospel, some commentators believe he was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and was even referred to anonymously by the other evangelists. He is clearly a close friend of Jesus (John 11:3, 5; 12:1), and Jesus knew his sisters Mary and Martha well too. Despite this, Jesus does not rush to the scene but lingers until he receives news that Lazarus has actually died (11:13-14). When he finally reaches Bethany, he is met first by Martha, who tells Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21) but nevertheless declares her faith in him. Jesus reassures her, “I am the resurrection and the life,” (John 11:25), heralding the miracle that is to come. He then proceeds into town and meets Mary, where our passage begins.

One challenge of the passage is how to understand the phrase in v. 33, when Jesus is “greatly disturbed in spirit”. This is difficult to understand as while the original Greek word can mean to sigh or groan, it more often refers to anger or indignation. Jesus has foreseen all that has happened seemingly, so there is a real question about with whom, or at what, he is angry. Perhaps he is angry with the inevitability of death itself.

The entire scene is, in turn, the culmination of a series of miracles in John’s Gospel. John calls these ‘signs’ not miracles, and records fewer than the other evangelists. Beginning with the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), each one demonstrates a different aspect of Jesus’ character, and gradually reveals his true identity and mission. The raising of Lazarus is the seventh and last such sign (seven being an important Biblical number that symbolises completeness). It is the greatest as well, demonstrating Jesus’ authority even over the power of death. John also makes clear that this is a watershed moment in the life of Jesus, finally convincing many doubters but also determining many in authority to kill him (John 11:45-57).

To Ponder:

•  How does this story speak to us on this day, when many Christians across the world will be remembering those who have died?
• What do you think it means when Jesus was “greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved” (v. 33), considering he seemingly knew how the story would end?
• Has our understanding of this famous passage changed in the light of our experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic?

 Prayer

Living God, give us hope and courage even in the face of death, knowing that there is nowhere we can go where you will not seek us out. Amen.