April Chimes
Dear Siblings in Christ,
As we approach Holy Week this year, I am drawn to a story from John’s gospel. It comes on the heels of the Gospel for the final Sunday in Lent, which was the raising of Lazarus. John’s gospel is split into two distinct parts: the book of signs and the book of glory. The first half tells the story of Jesus’ ministry, and it recounts seven signs, or miracles, that he performs which help explain who he is as the Messiah. The second half, the book of glory, tells the story of Holy Week, beginning with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ending with his arrest, crucifixion, and ultimately resurrection.
The raising of Lazarus is the final sign that Jesus performs before entering Jerusalem. It is this act that leads those who oppose him, namely some of the religious leaders, to begin conspiring to kill Jesus. Raising someone from the dead is just too much. Jesus is too powerful and presents a threat to the uneasy peace with the Roman authorities. Jesus knows this. He knows that his hour is coming, and yet he heads into Jerusalem anyway.
But as we linger in this week before Holy Week, I am drawn to what Jesus does before that final week. After he raises Lazarus, but before he ultimately turns towards the cross. Knowing that the end is approaching, how does he spend his time? Is it with one more healing, one more sermon, one more lesson for the disciples? When he knows that there’s a limited time left, does Jesus try to cram as much ministry in as possible?
No. After this ultimate sign, knowing that those opposed to him are conspiring for his arrest and death, Jesus spends time with his friends. The Gospel of John tells us that Mary, Martha, and Lazarus gave a dinner for Jesus. Martha served, Lazarus reclined at the table, and Mary takes a jar of costly perfume, made of pure nard, and anoints Jesus’ feet, filling the whole house with its scent.
Knowing he has a limited time before he is swept up in the drama of Jerusalem, Jesus uses it to simply be. To spend time with those who are close to him. To be present, fully, with his disciples and his friends. To let them love him—with their presence, their serving, their care.
Perhaps, in this week before Holy Week (or Holy Week itself—while it’s a busy time for church professionals, I know it’s often spring break for others) we might follow Jesus’ example. Even if the to do list is long—perhaps because the to do list is long—we might take time, even just a few moments, to simply be. To be present with the people that God has put in our lives. To be present with God. Without an agenda or goal, save for the goal of being.
May this time, before and during Holy Week, be a time of blessing for you.
In Christ,
Pastor Laura