Read John 11:45-57
The pot begins to boil. People begin to choose sides. Plots are hatched. Participants and spectators alike wonder what will happen next. Jesus raised Lazarus. People saw it. Many put their trust in Jesus because of it. Others ran to “tell on Jesus.” They didn’t like it that Jesus seemed to be gaining power with the people. They feared that the special protection their country received from the Romans might be put at risk if the people showed a shift away from their loyalty to the political and religious structures that had been agreed upon. Their fear focused on Jesus. They decide that nothing less than his death will “de-boil” the pot.
Jesus leaves Bethany and goes to Ephraim (vs 54) and stays there with his disciples. Will their departure from public life “de-boil” the pot? Will their departure from public life protect them? Will their time in Ephraim help them to consider the truth that lay at the heart of the lives?
Like the Gospel writer John, we know what is coming next in the story. But, before we rush to make our own interpretation of the story and comfort ourselves with the Easter message, we do well to take some time apart. Time apart to consider more deeply the troubles that Jesus faced in trying to bring God’s love to the world. Time apart to consider more deeply the troubles of the world and the part we play in them. Time apart to consider the truth that is at the heart of our faith and of our lives. Only then will we be prepared for what comes next in the story for Jesus…for us.
Rev. Dr. Beverly Jones
Prayer: O God, as Jesus knew it was important to spend time outside the fray of activities, opinions and troubles, help us to spend time with you this day, knowing that you help us to see and face the truth and keep our lives centered in the power of your love. Amen.
