John 11:33-44 (NIV)
Read by: Joshua Settles
Death is something we often try to push to the back of our minds. And as Christians, we’re often taught that to grieve with hope means holding yourself together--that “being strong” means not allowing yourself to really acknowledge the pain that comes with loss. But that’s not how it was in Jesus’ day, or how it is in most of the world today. . .
One familiar verse in this passage has more depth than we realize. In this passage, John says that Jesus wept, that he was “deeply moved and troubled,” but the greek phrase actually describes the snorting of an angry horse. Jesus is not just crying silent stoic tears… He’s sobbing.
As you listen to the second half of the story of Lazarus, try to put yourself in the scene. Imagine the sights, smells, sounds and emotions.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What emotions were brought up in you as you heard this story?
2. As you imagined Jesus sobbing aloud, like the snorting of an angry horse, consider how this image informs your understanding of Jesus? How might it challenge your view of God?
3. The resurrection of Lazarus is the seventh sign in John’s gospel, and the one that most forcefully pulls back the veil to see what God is up to as he makes his dwelling among us. Jesus had said that Lazarus’ sickness ‘would not end in death,’ and yet he did fact but was raised by Jesus! . . . What would change about the way you lived if you knew death was not the end?
----------CONNECT----------
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