Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 22nd March - The Fifth Sunday of Lent - and for the week ahead:

Scripture:  John11.38-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”So they took away the stone…Then Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Reflection:

In John’s Gospel Jesus’s miracles are described as ‘signs’. They are like signposts, pointing to Jesus as the divine Son of God, with power and authority over nature and death itself. Yet some of those who actually witness Lazarus emerging from the tomb are so outraged at Jesus not conducting himself according to their rules and their authority that they make up their minds to have him killed. It was bad enough that he healed the sick and restored sight to the blind, but now he is actually raising the dead to life.This cannot be allowed! He must be stopped, once and for all.

They did indeed kill him. But as we know, that was not the end. Far from it. Lord, save us from obstinacy and hardness of heart. Give us faith and humility, and open our eyes and hearts to receive your blessings which are ‘more than we can either imagine or desire’.

Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen