Today Jesus talks about death not in cosmic apocalyptic events but in close loving relationships. Martha and Mary inform Him about their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus loves. At first Jesus seems indifferent and delays going to help then reassures them that the illness will not end in death. Jesus speaks powerful words, which we often hear at funerals: “ I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in Me, even though he dies he will live.” Jesus is moved to tears by the grief of those He loves and angry at the reality of death in His friend. But then He performs the greatest sign of His ministry as He calls Lazarus from the grave. And Lazarus is freed from death.
The raising of Lazarus is the greatest sign Jesus performs but, like the other signs we have seen in Lent, the giving of “living water” to a thirsty woman and sight to a blind man, it points to the greater reality of the resurrection, which we celebrate at Easter. Lazarus was raised from the dead but he had to die again. He would need again the funeral clothes that are cast aside when Jesus rises on the third day. At the resurrection Jesus conquers death. On the last day we believe that Christ will come again in glory to bring His creation to share fully in His resurrection.