Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." —John 11:25a
Our Lenten journey is coming to an end and just in time. A person can't go into a store these days without being inundated with baskets, colorful eggs, bunnies and chicks. And, of course, there's the sweet smell of chocolate and sugar coming from all of the candy on the shelves. If we didn't know any better, one might think Easter had already arrived! Don't get me wrong, I am not the Easter Grinch. I love celebrating Jesus' resurrection! It's just that I am uncomfortable with the commercialization of our most sacred holy day. Besides, we're not there yet.
Our scripture lesson for Sunday includes part of the story when Jesus resuscitated his good friend Lazarus. Please read the eleventh chapter of the Gospel of John before coming to church this Sunday, if you can. It will help to fill in some details that won't be read in church but I may refer to in my message. Jesus was very close with Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. Verse 5 says that he loved them. We know from other accounts that Jesus went to their house to teach and to dine. We discover in verse 2 that it was this Mary that anointed Jesus with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair. This family was very important to Jesus.
Mary and Martha knew his identity and his mission. This much is clear by the conversation they had when Jesus arrived in Bethany, days after Lazarus' death. Jesus first talks with Martha. He tells her that Lazarus will rise again and that Jesus, himself, IS the resurrection and the life. Jesus is the life-giver. He has the power to bring new life, to free us from the things that bind us and enable us to dream big dreams. By faith, we can experience new life here and now. Imagine the possibilities! Tap into Christ's resurrection life today.
Hope to see you on Sunday at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Invite your Facebook friends by clicking here to share our Palm Sunday video. Be sure to join us in welcoming our new members this Palm Sunday, too!!
Your sister in Christ,
Pastor Mary