Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So, they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Therefore, many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. (John 11:38-45)

John 11:1-45

At Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus told them to take away the stone. Even knowing what Jesus could do, Martha protested, citing the bad odour (it had been four days since Lazarus had died). We cannot really blame her; we would probably have said the same thing to Jesus. 

Jesus repeated what he had said earlier to her and to the disciples, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” When they took away the stone, Jesus prayed to the Father. Then he called for Lazarus to come out. As Jesus had foretold, many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and Martha had seen what Jesus did, and believed in him. 

We are heading into Holy Week when we remember Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion and death. During Lent, we are asked to examine ourselves and pray for the stone to be rolled away from our tombs of old, smelly habits and behaviours. Do we protest? Would we rather keep the entrance to our lives closed? What about the bindings that keep us tied up? When will we let those go? 

What is the cloth, or mask, that I have wrapped around my face that keeps people away, or worse, that I think Jesus cannot see through?

What areas of my life need Jesus’ healing touch?

God of love,
help me allow Jesus to remove the stones around my heart and the mask I think I need. Fill me with the freshness of your grace and mercy. May I move into the freedom of your love.
Amen.
 

Reflections by Adri Sutherland

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