John 11:17-29
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Jesus the Resurrection and the Life
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus* had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles* away, 19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ 23Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ 24Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ 25Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.* Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ 27She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah,* the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’ 28 -->
Jesus Weeps
28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, ‘The Teacher is here and is calling for you.’ 29And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him.
3 comments:
Today, I am really struck by the line "many jews had already come to console Martha and Mary." It seems to me our world is much to independent. We thrive by saying I can do it myself. Even the word family has switched from meaning all people related to those just in our immediate family.
Why is it that we are so afraid of seeking out help? It seems to me that this story has something to teach us about living out our emotions in community. Laughing, rejoicing, creating, are all much more fun and create an even more joyful noise to the Lord when done in groups.
Weeping, mourning, etc. ought to be an easier sound for us when surrounded by others who care and love us. Why not let them do it?
You bring up an interesting point that I didn't pick up on in this passage.
I think it is partly a result of industrialization because it used to be that people had to be more overtly dependent on one another whereas now we can quite literally hole up in our houses and "live" in a virtual world with minimal contact with others. We don't even have to go grocery shopping anymore if we want to really be insular; we can have Peapod deliver!
Just like the babies who died in orphanages during/after WWII from lack of human touch and contact while receiving the best of medical care, I think we too, as a society are wasting away to some degree from lack of human contact and connection. I think we could all point out numerous symptoms in our society that demonstrate this.
Thanks for reminding me to reach out and stay more connected. We need each other! :)
It just occurred to me that your point is especially relevant for the date of today's posting...
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