The story of the raising of Lazarus is one of Scripture’s most interesting accounts, not only because a man is given a second chance at life, but we also see a very human side of Jesus. Lazarus was a friend of Jesus, a very close friend, and his death shakes Jesus. This is a side of Jesus that is generally hidden and the image of Jesus weeping for His friend is quite wrenching.
This story and Jesus’ great declaration “I am the Resurrection and the Life” are recalled in many great works of literature, including A Take of Two Cities and Crime and Punishment often at a point where a character is in search of redemption, Most of them find this redemption in one form or another.
But what does this say of our salvation? We, as well as those fictional characters see our own salvation in Lazarus. We, like Lazarus, are friends of Jesus in need of life, a life we can’t have without Jesus. And it is faith in the divinity of Jesus, as confessed by Martha that causes our resurrection.
O God for our redemption You have given Your only begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by His glorious resurrection You have delivered us from the power of our enemy. Grant that all our sin may be drowned through daily repentance and that day by day a new person many arise to live before You in righteousness and purity forever.
This story and Jesus’ great declaration “I am the Resurrection and the Life” are recalled in many great works of literature, including A Take of Two Cities and Crime and Punishment often at a point where a character is in search of redemption, Most of them find this redemption in one form or another.
But what does this say of our salvation? We, as well as those fictional characters see our own salvation in Lazarus. We, like Lazarus, are friends of Jesus in need of life, a life we can’t have without Jesus. And it is faith in the divinity of Jesus, as confessed by Martha that causes our resurrection.
O God for our redemption You have given Your only begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by His glorious resurrection You have delivered us from the power of our enemy. Grant that all our sin may be drowned through daily repentance and that day by day a new person many arise to live before You in righteousness and purity forever.
-Lydia Dahling
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.
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