John presents us with a very moving story. Nowhere in the Gospels do we find the humanity and human love of Jesus illustrated more than here: His concern for his friends in their bereavement; His response to the emotional and sensitive Mary; His words of encouragement to the more practical Martha. What is truly touching about this incident is John’s insistence on the deep love that Jesus felt for this small family group, within which he must have felt so much at home.
Why didn’t Jesus prevent the death rather than wait to overcome it? John, looking back at the incident, can see that it was all for the better. The miracle sign has shown God’s glory. The God of healing love is revealed through the work of his Son. Hidden deep within the episode is a further truth: that Jesus’ gift of life to Lazarus involved His own death, the offering of His own life. To love Lazarus and give him life Jesus had to be willing to risk and lose His own. The trip to Bethany was overshadowed by the approaching cross.
Jesus reveals to us the true meaning of life and death. We can take the opportunity in these last weeks of Lent to examine our faith in times of suffering, and our hope in the face of death. We are asked to look beyond the signs, however wonderful they may be. The signs point to Jesus, the Son of God. Our faith is in Him. If we reflect on this we shall prepare ourselves for the joy of Easter.