Jesus' Friends

I just read the story of Lazarus again yesterday.  There were several things that impacted me.  First, these were Jesus' friends.  It's one thing to think about the disciples.  They were following him, watching him, learning from his every step.  Then, you think about Jesus' friends.  John 11:5 says, "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus."  Lazarus had been dead for 4 days when Jesus arrives.  Martha says, "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask".  She affirms that she believes that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the Living God, and calls for Mary to join them.  When Jesus sees Mary weeping, we learn that Jesus wept.  Jesus prays to His Father and has the stone moved from the grave and says, "Lazarus, Come out!"  He is bound by his grave clothes, but he comes out of the grave, alive!

So, going back to his friends.  They know the sting and pain of losing someone they love.  They also know the joy of resurrection!  Do they remember this today?  The day after Jesus is crucified?  Do they expect His resurrection?  These are the people Jesus hung out with when he needed some 'down time' or when he wanted to relax and have fun.  Would I remember Lazarus coming out of the tomb the day after I saw my friend, and my Savior crucified?  Did they remember the power?  Or, did they think He was completely defeated?