8/3/2023 0 Comments Jesus and lazarusThe friendship between Jesus and Lazarus demonstrates the depth of friendship that even the Son of God needed while here on earth. Friends help us, especially when we are in pain. A reflection on Jesus and Lazarus from John 11.1-45 by The Revd Dr Jarred Mercer, Associate Chaplain and Career Development Researcher at Merton College. Friendships include sharing, playing and laughing, as well as sharing our sorrows and difficulties. Sound emotional health must include good friendships. The New Testament often uses the word ‘kinship’ to describe bonds among the faithful. The Bible tells us a great deal about the divinity of Jesus including his preaching, his healing, his miracles and his resurrection, but because he was also fully human, Jesus felt the power of friendship as well. Lazarus and Jesus had a close friendship before Jesus raised him from the dead. The resurrection of Lazarus also foreshadows the death and resurrection of Christ. The story of Lazarus tells us that Jesus has power over life and death. It was witnessed by Lazarus’ sister, Martha. He called on Lazarus’ soul to return to his dead body. Jesus enters the tomb and performs a miracle, raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus Christ lifted up his eyes to heaven, thanked God and Father, and cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. When Jesus arrived back in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jesus experienced genuine grief since he was human and divine. Shortly after, Jesus learned of Lazarus’ death and was devastated, as any friend would be. When Jesus learns that Lazarus is ill, he stays in Bethany two extra days, but he then leaves for Jerusalem. Lazarus is the only individual character in the fourth Gospel explicitly acknowledged by name as Jesus’ friend. Yet he then leaves for Jerusalem, though he knows that Lazarus will die, because Lazarus’s death and resurrection will enhance God’s glory. When he learns that Lazarus is ill, Jesus stays in Bethany two extra days out of affection for him. Their relationship was close enough that when he was sick, his sisters sent for Jesus with the message, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” - John 11:3. Jesus’ love for Lazarus is a familiar human sentiment. This friendship existed long before Lazarus became ill. Jesus and Lazarus had a special friendship. True friendship provides us with support, love and enjoyment and is nothing short of a gift from God. God wants us to have relationships - not just of the marital and familial kind but deep and abiding friendships as well. In fact, stories of friendships are demonstrated throughout the Old and New Testaments. By showing love and generosity to others, Lazarus honored Jesus by following his commands. We too must choose Jesus before it's too late. Life Lessons Lazarus placed his faith in Jesus while Lazarus was alive. He practiced charity and believed in Christ as Savior. The Bible is full of fascinating stories about human relationships, including friendships. Lazarus was a man who showed godliness and integrity.
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