![]() His Father had never intended for us to experience it. Others think death to be merely a portal to eternity. Some people accept death as a natural part of human life. He did not say they should wear white and rejoice that their brother had finally gone home to heaven. Yet when he was met by a distraught Mary and her weeping companions, he did not rebuke them for crying. Imagine their surprise when he tells them a few days later that Lazarus is dead and that it’s time to visit his grave. Not to worry, he explained to his disciples. This, on the other hand, was one of his dearest friends. But Jesus had dropped everything many times before to heal strangers. ![]() So it was a surprise to all that Jesus did not come immediately when he heard that Lazarus was ill. ![]() They lived in a town called Bethany, located on the slope of the Mount of Olives. The family was that of Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. In the Gospel of this beloved disciple, we learn that Jesus had one family who was particularly beloved in this way. Out of twelve, Jesus had one especially beloved. While we can do good and even risk our lives for a stranger, we have special bonds of intimacy and affection with a rather small circle. For human beings have family and friends. If he did not love some more than others, Jesus wouldn’t be fully human. Jesus, Friend of Lazarusīut God became man. Some find it hard to accept that God would love some people more than others. Italy, click on the play arrow on the left directly below this paragraph. ![]() The gospel story of the raising of Lazarus found in John 11 shows us why Jesus can love some friends and disciples more than others, why death is not natural and beautiful, the difference between resurrection and resuscitation, and the deeper meaning of Jesus’ miracles or “signs” as they are called in the John’s gospel. This post is also available in: Spanish, Italian ![]()
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