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?

The rest of the Story...

I posted this note on Facebook:  But, what does it mean to linger at the cross?  Can I ever understand even a small, even tiny glimpse of the suffering Jesus endured by taking on the sin of the World?  We, (Westerners), don't like to be uncomfortable.  Does this make me uncomfortable?  Why do I jump so quickly to Sunday?

  ...the rest of the story:  I've been thinking this Easter Week about how difficult it is for us to linger at the cross.  Our humanity wants to jump to the end of the story.  After all, we know who wins!  And, while I think it's great to celebrate that, I'm learning how important it is to understand Jesus' suffering so that I can fully understand and appreciate His triumph.

Part of it is being in a different culture as well.  In Ukraine, you never wish anyone a happy birthday until the actual day.  And, of course, you never greet anyone with "He is Risen!"  until Easter Sunday morning, or the day after.  (still a holiday)

So, my challenge to myself and to others this year is to stay at the foot of the cross until Sunday morning.  Let the suffering sink in.  And, use this time to pray for those who suffer around the world.  I've been praying for those suffering in modern slavery this week.  Jesus suffered greatly.  He understands their pain and suffering.  And, praise the Lord, He meets us all exactly where we are at.  This week and always...