A way to live a mission with your friends:
Be ready to take risks to help a friend, even at a cost to yourself.
Based on John 11:1-45
A way to live a mission with your friends based on John 11:1-45, a reading from the Revised Common Lectionary for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, 4/2/17. [This chapter is the climax of Jesus’ public ministry.] The brother of Mary and Martha, Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus, was ill at their home in Bethany. They call for Jesus. Jesus says that the illness of Lazarus is not deadly but to show the power of God. He waits two days before telling his disciples they are going to Bethany. The disciples remind him that the people of Bethany want to stone him. He responds that he is a good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Even if it costs him his life, he is deciding to go of his own free will. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Jesus assures Mary and Martha that Lazarus will rise again. He says to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Martha believes. They go to Lazarus’ tomb. Many weep. Jesus weeps too. Jesus next commands the stone be rolled away and calls, “Lazarus come out!” Lazarus comes out still bound by the burial cloths. Jesus says, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Many in the crowd believe in Jesus.
A theme: A friend will risk his or her life to help of save another friend.
