Jesus does a wide variety of miracles in the gospels. In John’s gospel, they are called “signs” – essentially amazing acts that show Jesus’ connection with God and point to his role as messiah. Greatest among the healing signs of Jesus is raising Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus and his sisters are friends of Jesus among his followers. Lazarus falls ill while Jesus is some distance away, and though he receives word that Lazarus is ill (with an implied request to come help), Jesus delays and finally arrives to find that Lazarus has been dead and in the tomb for days. Nevertheless, Jesus calls out to Lazarus who emerges from the tomb, returned to life. Many saw what Jesus did and believed in him. For us today, raising Lazarus from the dead foreshadows Easter, pointing us to Jesus’ resurrection and new life for all creation.
When Jesus finally arrives, both Lazarus’ sisters say to him, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Martha and Mary both boldly and clearly state their faith in Jesus and his power to heal. Martha says that she believes Jesus is “the messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” Even in the face of death, before their brother has been returned to life, Lazarus’ sisters believe and trust in Jesus. Mind you, there are no indications that tell us how they said these words of confidence. Regret and sorrow at the bad timing? Irritation with Jesus and accusation for his absence in their time of need? Hope and hinting that perhaps there is still something that can be done? No matter how Martha and Mary spoke, Jesus was moved, for we read that as they came to the tomb, Jesus began to weep. Jesus is touched by the sorrow and grief that surrounds him, even though he will shortly return Lazarus to life.
I am always struck by these candid statements from Martha and Mary. No matter how the grieving sisters said these words to Jesus (sad resignation, frustration and anger, hope) the openness and connection in their relationship is evident. As we see Jesus dealing with their emotions and reactions, we remember that God is able to handle all our emotions and reactions to life. As we see Jesus emotionally moved by the situation and the sadness around him, we see that God does not stand apart from the struggles and sorrows in our lives.
God is always about the business of new life. In countless ways, God brings new beginnings into our lives. Whether the situation is sad and grief-filled, frustrating and anger-filled, hopeful and potential-filled, God works in our lives to move us beyond loss. Because of the love and grace of God, endings lead to new life. Even when we cannot possibly imagine anything but what is gone, God brings another opportunity as surely as spring comes each year.