John 12:2 – March 29, 2021

They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. John 12:2 NABRE           

Lazarus’ rising from the dead becomes a catalyst for the religious authorities to step up their efforts to have Jesus eliminated. Jesus is in Bethany, near Jerusalem, a celebration held in His honor, for bringing Lazarus to life. The host of the dinner was Martha and her sister Mary. It is a little like some of the parables of lost things Jesus tells; the lost coin, the lost sheep, the lost son, all conclude with finding and celebrating. The sisters thought they had lost their brother Lazarus and now he has returned and this called for a great celebration. This is likened to the kingdom of heaven when the lost are found, it becomes a celebration. It also foreshadows a celebration that Jesus will host in six days for Passover. Jesus is honored and Mary anoints His feet; at Passover, also referred to as the Last Supper, Jesus knows what is coming and He washes the feet of those in attendance. Dinner with Lazarus is a time of great joy, however Jesus also knows it was likely the last time He would see some of those in attendance, perhaps even the last time He sees Martha, Mary and Lazarus, seemingly close friends. Later versus s about the celebration tell us the religious authorities not only plan to remove Jesus but they also plot to kill Lazarus, whose mere presence reminds people of the miracle worker, Jesus.

People are celebrating and rejoicing about life and likely the upcoming Passover, and there are plenty of signs that the next week would shake everyone deeply. Jesus dying challenges everyone and living afterwards becomes difficult, but also ends in celebration. 

In six days a friend will die, how will that feel? Can you see good in tragedy, life after suffering?

In Bethany people are celebrating and rejoicing about life and there are plenty of signs that the next week would shake everyone deeply. Jesus dying challenges everyone and living afterwards becomes difficult, but also ends in celebration. Click To Tweet

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