The miracle of Lazarus brought back to life is a prelude to the death and resurrection of Jesus. If Jesus has power over this death, what must this say about Jesus’ power over his own life? The Jewish leaders ironically miss the whole point. Lazarus alive becomes the precipitating event that enrages the scribes and Pharisees to seek Jesus’ death. Ultimately their spiritual death occurs.

John dramatically tells the story. Human and divine elements fill the scenes. Verse 35 is the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” Meditate upon the movements and levels of meaning in this wondrous chapter of the Bible. Take to your own heart the words of verse 44 spoken by Jesus on Lazarus’behalf: “Loose him and let him go.”

John 11:1–45

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Loose me, Lord, and then I’m free. v. 44

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During Lent and Easter, we read from the Gospel of John.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

Tap here for a video meditation on Psalm 123.

In the archives of our home movies, there is a clip of me as a child playing in the surf while my mother looks on lovingly and caringly. At that moment of play, I was only aware of the delight of the waves at low tide washing over me. While viewing the film as an adult, the love of my mother moved me, as did my love for her.

In the verse for today, the psalmist uses an image similar to mine to stir devotion to the Lord. Recalling also “The Man Born Blind” from last Sunday’s Gospel, let these images stir about within until you find your own image offered. How do you sense the presence of your tender and caring Lord who never removes God’s eyes from you?

Psalm 123

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More
Example: To you I lift up my eyes. v. 1

During Lent this year we read Psalms 120-124.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information