Psst...Keep it Going

The passing on of belief because of a life changed.

It was because of Lazarus that many [had] come to believe in Jesus.

Lazarus didn’t do much (=nothing) in order for Jesus to raise him to new life. I suppose that might not be completely true. We don’t have access to know what his relationship with Jesus was in the time leading up to his resurrection. We know that Jesus loved him. That’s enough.

Jesus loves you.

It is because of you that many come to believe in Jesus.

In one sense, it’s really unfortunate that the Church has often implied that such a phenomenon would be relegated to a particular few (preachers, evangelists, etc.). It is not simply the call of such people. It is the call of all of us to bear witness to Christ in our lives such that others would come to believe. Lazarus was nothing special. But what Christ did in and through him made his life bear witness.

John tells us that this is why he’s even writing this book - But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name. (John 21:31)

Belief…

Belief that isn’t simply cognitive assent, but an exemplary life.

It was because of … that may come to believe.

Unless you’re one of those unique “found-a-Bible-in-a-hotel-room-and-came-to-Jesus” stories, it’s likely that you came to believe because of someone(s) else.

Psst…Keep it going.

John 12:9-19

Many Jews learned that he was there. They came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. The chief priests decided that they would kill Lazarus too. It was because of Lazarus that many of the Jews had deserted them and come to believe in Jesus.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, “Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the king of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, Don’t be afraid, Daughter Zion. Look! Your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.

His disciples didn’t understand these things at first. After he was glorified, they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.

The crowd who had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead were testifying about him. That’s why the crowd came to meet him, because they had heard about this miraculous sign that he had done. Therefore, the Pharisees said to each other, “See! You’ve accomplished nothing! Look! The whole world is following him!”

Psalm 118:22-27

The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! This has happened because of the Lord; it is astounding in our sight! This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it!

Lord, please save us! Lord, please let us succeed!

The one who enters in the Lord’s name is blessed; we bless all of you from the Lord’s house. The Lord is God! He has shined a light on us! So lead the festival offering with ropes all the way to the horns of the altar.

Prayer

God,

Thank you for Sundays. I’m grateful for the opportunity of gathering with your Church. Prepare me to receive you all the more today as I gather with your Church. On the one hand, it is a responsibility, a duty, an accountable measure of dedication to you and one another. On the other hand, it is a comfort and a joy, a boost of life. I know that in many situations, the Church is not or has not been like that. I lament that, Lord. I pray for those who do not have or cannot find a fellowship of welcoming, love, and grace. Help us do better, Lord.

For today, speak to your people everywhere. Fill us with your life-giving spirit. Show us your truth, justice, and joy for ourselves and the world. Surprise us. Move in us. Rebuke us. Make us clean. Move us to Christ-like action.

By your spirit & in Christ,

Amen.