POWER OF GOD

 

Have you ever been really sad? In our Gospel today (John 11), two of Jesus’ friends are very sad because their brother died. Jesus was also sad. He was so sad that he cried. That tells you that Jesus had a human nature like us.

Now, these sisters, Martha and Mary, wanted Jesus to come visit their brother, Lazarus, when he was very sick. Jesus did not go, even though it was less than two miles. Blackhawk High School is two miles from here. Then, a few days later, Lazarus died, and Jesus decided to visit.

Jesus went for several reasons. He wanted to see Martha and Mary, but he also wanted them to see what power God has. So, he walked to their home and spoke with each sister, and then went to the grave – a cave – where Lazarus was lain.

Jesus ordered some men to move the huge stone, and then he prayed to his Father in heaven. He prayed that the people standing around him may know that God the Father sent Jesus.

To me, all of this seems a little strange. I mean, if I were standing there, and saw Jesus offer kind words to his friends, have the grave stone moved away, and then offer this prayer to God the Father, I would wonder what Jesus would do next. That’s when he called Lazarus to life, and Lazarus walked out of the cave. Jesus told the men to take off his grave clothes and let him go free. And that was that.

If you saw that, how powerful would you think Jesus, the Son of God, is? He is so powerful that he can make dead people live again, and someday he will make all of us alive in heaven.

With that, let us pray. Heavenly Father, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth is named: Bless these and all children, and give their parents the spirit of wisdom and love, so that the homes in which they grow up may be to them an image of Your Kingdom, and the care of their parents a likeness of Your love. We pray in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.