When Jesus shows up

The Raising of Lazarus (1857), by Léon Joseph Florentin Bonnat

Lazarus died.

Jesus wept because He loved him and Martha and Mary. Yet, after hearing the news, he delayed His coming because He wanted for all to see the power of God.

Martha ran toward Jesus on the road. Mary stayed at home. Grief is experienced and processed in various ways.

Jesus asked Martha if she believed in resurrection. She said, yep, as most of Jews at that time. But then Jesus exposed His identity by saying ‘I AM Resurrection and Life’, and asking her is she personally believed in Him bringing resurrection, meaning being the Messiah, Christ, Anointed One. And if she believed in Him being Life, meaning having ability to infuse physical, spiritual, emotional, mental wholeness into those who believe. Life (sozo) in all aspects. Bubbling. Energizing. Sustaining. Giving. Engaging.

Intimate and fruitful. Life that upholds the whole universe in its existence. Life that is hidden in plain sight.

When Jesus shows up, He can’t help Himself but emanate purest Life, and resurrect what died into reality that matters in the Kingdom of God.

Jesus switches from general faith to personal encounter with her.

From catechism to my heart.

From a concept to a Person.

From mind to spirit.

There is a way that needs to happen. It needs to start in our apprehension of the Truth. Struggling in understanding. General knowledge by itself does not save. It needs to be believed. The journey from head to heart is needed. It starts in knowing and ends in loving. We can love only what we know. And discipleship is based on loving more than knowing.

Martha says YES.

Lazarus is revived to the earthly life. He steps out from the tomb, still wrapped up in his burial clothing, face covered, body immobilized. He needs friends, community, to unwrap him. What questions would you ask dead man walking?