Lazarus Reflections

We will close out this Sunday a 4 week study of the story of Lazarus (John 11:1-44). While we will get to see the culmination of this story with Lazarus actually walking out of his tomb, the real impact of this story for me comes from the broader view of the entire story. We can see a number of characteristics of Jesus and his ministry. As I prepare for Sunday, I have made a list of at least six or seven things.

For example one of them is that we see Jesus as being purposeful. When he is told that Lazarus is sick, his response is: But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."(John 11:4) There is this consistent sense that Jesus lives purposefully, that his life and ministry have a direction, that he isn't just reacting and responding to things but constantly lives to glorify the Father.

Reread John 11:1-44 and reflect on the character of Jesus. See if there are things about Jesus that are new to this story, or if there are characteristics that are displayed here that reinforce ideas that we have seen throughout this gospel.

Then reflect on this: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." (Eph 5:1)

Let me know what other observations you make from the Lazarus story!